Health Tip: Don't Let Minor Knee Pain Slow You Down

Help make a sore knee feel better

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(HealthDay News) -- Knees can become painful for many reasons, including injury or arthritis. While knee pain that keeps you from walking should be evaluated by a doctor, minor knee pain shouldn't keep you off your feet.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to soothe minor knee pain:

• Take it easy on your sore knee. Keep your weight off it, and avoid straining it.
• Ice the knee frequently. On the first day, apply ice for 15 minutes every hour. After the first day, ice it at least four times throughout the day.
• Elevate the knee; try sleeping with your knees propped up on a pillow, or with a pillow placed between your knees.
• Wear a brace or bandage on the knee.
• Take an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease pain and swelling.

-- Diana Kohnle