# Knee pain? What works for you? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 21, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887 "2024-05-21T21:32:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/1 "2024-05-21T21:32:43Z")
Let’s say it isn’t any kind of arthritis, just normal wear and tear and (presumably) aging. Once you have marked the poll, please give specifics, such as brand names, in a comment. I would also be interested to find out things you tried that didn’t work for you. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/1))_ Thanks ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/2 "2024-05-21T21:36:30Z")
Coincidentally, my wife just scheduled her knee replacement surgery. Nothing else has helped. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/3 "2024-05-21T21:46:13Z")
I grin and bear it mostly, or rely on cannabis and ethanol. If I’m in horrible pain I’ll take ibuprofen before bed, or 100 mg of Tramadol if the pain is really bad. ETA: ibuprofen or Tramadol maybe twice a month due to over exertion. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/4 "2024-05-21T21:47:48Z")
You might also look at this recent thread (with some discussion of knee pain): > [@Topical treatments/remedies for non-topical pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topical-treatments-remedies-for-non-topical-pain/998327/1): > > I’m talking about stuff like Aspercreme, SalonPas, various creams that have “freeze” or “cool” in the name, Arnica gel, etc., for muscle aches, not remedies for painful scratches or surface injuries. Do you swear by (or at) any of them? I use Aspercreme with Lidocaine occasionally at night on my ankle where I had surgery a bazillion years ago. Sometimes it’s a bit achy. Does it help? I dunno. Maybe. I do manage to fall asleep. There are lots of creams sold for peripheral neuropathy/nerve pain… ---
**Author:** ![Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/prof.pepperwinkle/32/13627_2.png) [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prof.Pepperwinkle)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/5 "2024-05-21T21:50:50Z")
Madame Pepperwinkle has me apply frankincense oil to her knees when they hurt. She says it helps better than anything else she’s tried. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/6 "2024-05-21T21:56:26Z")
I have arthritis in my knees. I take either 800mg ibuprofen or meloxicam. I do use Voltaren or other stuff at times. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/7 "2024-05-21T22:00:42Z")
rest, I just use rest. Lay in bed, possibly with a small pillow under the knee to elevate it a bit, sometime helps, but basically just rest. I suppose this could be under “I just bear it” but that has different connotations for me. If the pain is severe enough to impede locomotion I will take an aspirin. Anti-inflammitories such as Ibuprofen do nothing for me, and tylenol is the same, does nothing. ETA, usually, for me, painful knees come in pairs and can be a very good sign that it’s time for new shoes if it is something that persists for more than a few days. So sometimes I deal with painful knees by buying new shoes ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/8 "2024-05-21T22:02:27Z")
> [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](#): > > frankincense oil I didn’t realize that was still used; my only acquaintance with this was in the old Christmas song “We Three Kings” with the three gifts brought by the Magi, one of which is frankincense, along with gold and myrrh. ---
**Author:** ![2outta3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2outta3/32/15520_2.png) [@2outta3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2outta3)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/9 "2024-05-21T23:07:12Z")
A product named Medi Gel DMSO. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/10 "2024-05-21T23:18:16Z")
For just age related aches and wear and tear, I don’t personally use anything, but my FiL uses CBD oil for his aches and pains (fully legal here in Colorado). He’s spent years of his “retirement” being a blacksmith, with quite a lot of accumulated muscle and tendon stresses. 🙂 I’ll try to check exactly while provider and concentration he uses if you’re interested and can legally get the same or equivalent in your area. He takes it as a concentrate, applied from a dropper, under the tongue, generally right before bed. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/11 "2024-05-21T23:35:57Z")
Hylauronic acid gel injections. Once a week for 3 weeks. I tried assorted OTC rub ins then did PT. Ended up with the injections which worked a treat. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/12 "2024-05-22T00:21:19Z")
Aleve (Naproxen Sodium) works best for me, along with ice and rest. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/13 "2024-05-22T00:30:08Z")
Due to my other medications the only oral medication I can take for pain is Tylenol, which is not very effective for my arthritic knees. When I complained about this to my doctor he recommended Voltaren, which I’ve found works very well when my knee pain gets bad. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/14 "2024-05-22T01:47:40Z")
> [@2outta3](#): > > A product named Medi Gel DMSO Just a heads u. I’ve encountered dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a horse “lineament”. Be careful with it. It’s cheap, since it’s an industrial byproduct. It’s often sold at flea markets and horse shows. It penetrates intact skin; apply a drop to your foot and in a minute you can taste it. There are other things that may be on your skin and with the correct chemistry they will also enter your bloodstream. /PSA ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/15 "2024-05-22T02:18:39Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Hylauronic acid gel injections. Once a week for 3 weeks. I tried assorted OTC rub ins then did PT. Ended up with the injections which worked a treat. How long is the treatment effective, or in other words, how soon do you have to do it again? > [@LurkMeister](#): > > my doctor … recommended Voltaren A friend just recommended that to me today, so I am trying it out. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/16 "2024-05-22T04:27:07Z")
> [@2outta3](#): > > A product named Medi Gel DMSO. No, do not use DMSO for any medical use unless directed by a Physician. [Medical use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3916302/#:~:text=DMSO%20is%20a%20clear%20odorless,and%20to%20certain%20experimental%20applications). _It is widely available in the USA as a solvent but its medical use is currently restricted by the FDA to the palliative treatment of interstitial cystitis and to certain experimental applications._ > **[DMSO: Uses and Risks](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/dmso-uses-and-risks)** > > WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement DMSO. _Other than its use as a prescription medicine, there is little or no scientific evidence to support other claims made about DMSO’s effectiveness…_ _## What Are the Risks of Using DMSO?_ _Some DMSO on the market may actually be industrial grade. Industrial grade DMSO may contain a number of impurities that can easily be absorbed into the skin with potentially serious health effects._ _The most frequent side effects from using DMSO on the skin include:_ \*\* [Stomach](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments) upset\* \*\* Skin irritation\* \*\* Strong odor of garlic\* _More serious side effects include: \* Severe allergic reactions_ \*\* [Headaches](https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/ss/slideshow-migraine-overview)\* \*\* [Itching](https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/skin-conditions-pruritus) and burning when applied to the skin\* _DMSO can also cause a deadly reaction when used in high concentrations._ > [@LurkMeister](#): > > Due to my other medications the only oral medication I can take for pain is Tylenol, which is not very effective for my arthritic knees. When I complained about this to my doctor he recommended Voltaren, which I’ve found works very well when my knee pain gets bad. Oooh, sorry. My do gives me regular cortisone injections directly into the knees. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/17 "2024-05-22T12:58:55Z")
[quote=“Roderick\_Femm, post:15, topic:1001887, full:true”] > [@peedin](#): > > Hylauronic acid gel injections. Once a week for 3 weeks. I tried assorted OTC rub ins then did PT. Ended up with the injections which worked a treat. How long is the treatment effective, or in other words, how soon do you have to do it again? It technically can be a one and done. A person may only need the series of 3 and have forever relief. The shots can be given as frequently as every 6 months. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/18 "2024-05-22T13:11:57Z")
I’ve had occasional knee pain – worse when doing things such as going up or down stairs – ever since my teens. I blame the deep knee bends they made us do in 1950’s grade school; though I might be wrong. (No, doctors, it’s not my weight; it’s actually gotten less frequent as I got fatter, and started when I wasn’t fat at all.) I figured out many years ago that the thing to do was to wear a knee brace most of the time for a few days – and to start doing this at the first significant pain, instead of waiting for it to get a lot worse first. I don’t know that any of that applies to, say, chronic arthritis, though. It’s a different problem. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/19 "2024-05-22T15:08:25Z")
I’ve found that as long as I’m active every day (walking, hiking, riding bikes), my knees perform better than when I get a bit more sedentary. So, for me, the cure is to be more active. I’ve also developed Baker’s cysts in both knees. The first time I got them, I got them in both knees (I was heavy into mountaineering and doing a ton of elevation) and didn’t know what was going on and tried to push through it and BOTH ended up bursting. You don’t want them to burst - it causes the pain to skyrocket through your lower leg which will then also swell way up. I went to the orthopedic doc and learned that if they recurred, they could be drained. In the 20 years since that first event, I’ve had a knee drained four times and it’s instant relief. Also, my Achille’s tendons, calf and hamstrings are very tight (byproduct of growing a foot in height in one year). Stretch, stretch, stretch. I use Aleve occasionally but try to limit my usage. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887/20 "2024-05-22T17:18:16Z")
I had pretty much constant pain in my knee. Nothing on your list worked for me. I had my knee replaced 8 years ago and have had nearly no knee pain since. Things sometime stiffen up if I sit too long or stand too long but it loosens up pretty quickly. For me, the surgery was pretty much a miracle. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-pain-what-works-for-you/1001887.md?page=2)