This article gives the reader a basic understanding of the structure of the knee. The points covered will be different ligaments and cartilage that interact to allow the proper function of the knee. The treatment and causes of housemaid’s knee (bursitis) will also be described. Pharmaceuticals can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. These can range from fairly mild paracetamol to heavy weight like morphine. Herbal remedies tend to work on inflammation. Reducing inflammation itself can often reduce pain levels. This article is intended to assist the reader with knee problems in making considered treatment decisions.
Basic Structure Of The Knee.
The knee consists of four bones, namely the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella. The knee joint is located between the femur and the tibia and is traditionally classified as a hinge joint, with movement in only one plane. This means that the knee is only bent or straightened. However, it is also classified as an ellipsoid joint because it allows for little rotation of the lower leg. The patella (patella) is located at the front of the knee. The femur has two ellipsoid surfaces and joins the fibula with the menisci (commonly known as cartilage) in the middle. The fibula does not move directly with the femur, but instead works on the lateral (outer) side of the tibia. There are thirteen ligaments attached around the knee. These are patellar, patellar retinaculum, oblique popileus, arcuate popiteal, medial collateral, lateral collateral, anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, coronary (2), transverse, and meniscofemoral (2). It is not the scope of this article to describe in detail the function of all these ligaments.
Housemaids Knee’, a common cause of knee pain.
Housemaid’s knee is a common name given to bursitis. This occurs in the subcutaneous prepatellar bursa. This can, as the common name suggests, be caused by prolonged work done on the knees. This type of bursitis can affect roofers, carpet installers, miners, plumbers, among other groups who kneel for long periods. Bursitis can also cause another condition of slow fluid buildup in the knee, commonly called “water on the knee.”
Another cause of a swollen knee can be due to injury. If the swelling appears immediately after the injury, it is often a collection of blood within the joint called a “hemarthrosis.”
Treatment for housemaids knee using pharmaceutical drugs.
There are many pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications readily available. Some general ones will be described in this article.
Paracetamol: Also called Acetaminophen. Paracetamol relieves pain and fever in adults and children. Its pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-relieving (antipyretic) effects are similar to those of aspirin and it works in a similar way. However, unlike aspirin, increasing the dose does not result in clinically useful anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, acetaminophen is of no value in reducing inflammation in the treatment of bursitis (housemaid’s knee). The single recommended adult dose of paracetamol is two standard 500 mg tablets. Although paracetamol is widely available, it should be treated with respect. An overdose to a healthy person of taking 30 tablets at a time will result in liver damage and possible death.
Co-Codamol. Co-codamol contains a combination of two pain-relieving ingredients paracetamol and codeine. It is used to stop pain. The amount of codeine in the combination determines the strength of the preparation. There are three different concentrations of co-codamol available. Codeine/Paracetamol 8/500 mg, 12.8/500 mg and 30/500 mg. Common side effects are nausea, dry mouth, and constipation, among others.
Codeine phosphate. Codeine phosphate is a pain reliever. It comes in 3 tablet sizes, 15mg, 30mg and 60mg. Common side effects include skin rash or itching, difficulty breathing, increased sweating, flushing or flushing of the face, constipation, nausea or vomiting, dry mouth, slow or fast heart rate, palpitations, low blood pressure, low blood pressure when standing up, pain and difficulty urinating and a less frequent need to do so, dizziness and blurred vision, among others.
Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen belongs to the group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions, such as bursitis (maid’s knee). Common side effects include increased asthma symptoms, increased risk of stomach ulcers, and damage to the intestines, among others.
naproxenNaproxen is an NSAID. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation in many conditions, including knee pain. Common side effects include ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, heartburn, and constipation, among others.
Voltarol. Also called diclofenac sodium is an NSAID. Voltarol is available as tablets and a gel that is rubbed on the affected area. Voltarol is used in the treatment of many conditions, including acute musculoskeletal disorders such as periarthritis (eg, frozen shoulder), tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis. Some common side effects include nausea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, skin rash, drowsiness, depression, insomnia, fluid retention, and ringing in the ears, among others.
Treatment of maids knee using natural methods.
Chondroitin Sulfate: Chondroitin sulfate is also found naturally in the body. It prevents other body enzymes from breaking down the building blocks of joint cartilage.
Devil’s Claw: During clinical trials, devil’s claw has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in arthritis and bursitis. This should not be taken by people with stomach ulcers.
Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that our bodies make naturally. It is considered one of the main basic components for the protection of the joints. It is usually found together with chondroitin sulfate and is widely used to relieve pain and inflammation in health conditions such as back pain, tennis elbow, and housemaid’s knee.
MSM: It is the short form of methylsulfonylmethane. MSM provides sulfur, which is a vital component of joints, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails. It also supports energy production. Helps the normal reconstruction of connective tissue.
Turmeric: Turmeric has been shown in clinical studies to be as effective as some NSAIDs, without the unpleasant side effects. High doses of turmeric should not be taken if the user suffers from intestinal problems.
White willow bark: The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin. Records show that people have been using willow bark since the time of Hippocrates in 400 BC. C. It is used to relieve discomfort.
It seems that natural remedies for mild bursitis are worth considering. Pharmaceutical medications are preferred for more severe pain, but have many more unpleasant side effects.