Summary
see also Joint Pain or
Muscle Pain
The knee joins the bones of the upper leg, the femur, and
the bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula in the
largest joint of the body. It includes the patella
(knee cap), tendons connecting to major muscles, and a
number of ligaments that provide stability and
strength to
the joint. To facilitate smooth movement in the knee
the bone surfaces of the femur and tibia in the joint area
are covered with a layer of cartilage. The movement is
further enhanced with two “shock absorbers” between the
femur and tibia known as the medial meniscus and the lateral
meniscus. The menisci are also made of cartilage and
are sometimes referred to as the cartilage. A membrane
encapsulates the knee and maintains the synovial fluid that
adds lubrication to the rubbing surfaces. Finally at
strategic points in the knee are bursae, small fluid filled
sac like structures, which lie between tendons and bone and
other locations to lubricate and protect during motion.
With the complexity of the knee it is understandable that
there are a number of different injuries and aches and pains
associated with these joints. Some injuries come with
athletic or similar physical activity. Common are
tears and strains of the major stabilizing ligaments of the
knee. Injury, continual wear, and time can also take
its toll on the menisci resulting in what is commonly called
a torn cartilage. Beyond this there are a number of
conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. The
following list from MedicineNet.com is a comprehensive
summary of knee disorders:
•
Baker’s cyst – this commonly is a result of another knee
problem such as arthritis or a torn meniscus. It is
swelling in the knee as excess synovial fluid (the lubricant
of the knee) builds up in the back of the knee.
•
Bursitis – any of the bursa in the knee may become inflamed
causing this painful condition. See also
Bursitis
• Gout
– excess uric acid form small crystals that can be deposited
in the synovial fluid of the knee and other joints.
See also Gout.
•
Iliotibial band syndrome – this is a band that runs from the
outside of the leg from the hip to the tibia. It can
become inflamed and be painful especially on the outside of
the knee joint as the iliotibial band joins the tibia.
•
Infection – infection in any area of the knee and the
associated inflammation can result in a great deal of pain.
•
Lupus - and other connective tissue disorders can be
associated with knee pain. see
Autoimmune diseases.
•
Osgood-Schlatter condition – a painful condition affecting
primarily teens in a growth spurt period and active in
athletics. The condition is caused by microfractures
in the lump on the tibia just below the knee cap.
•
Osteoarthritis – Usually with age cartilage wears away and
bone on bone pain results. see
Arthritis.
•
Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disorder (that more
commonly affects smaller joints) causing inflammation and
can result in bone loss. see
Arthritis.
•
Tendonitis – when connective tissue that connects bones to
the muscles becomes inflamed this type of pain results.
See also Tendonitis.
[search helps: menisci,
medial, lateral collateral ligament. anterior cruciate
ligament, ACL, posterior cruciate ligament, PCL,
chondromalacia patella, popliteal space]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
• General:
AromaTouch, Deep Blue,
lavender, lemongrass, frankincense, marjoram, peppermint,
wintergreen
•
Circulation & warming:
cinnamon,
clove, eucalyptus, oregano, peppermint
• Pain:
birch, Deep Blue, Past Tense, white fir, wintergreen
•
Tissue repair:
frankincense,
helichrysum, lemongrass
Essential oils based
products: Deep Blue Rub, Life Long Vitality
supplements, MJ Assist
Also consider:
Balance, cypress, ginger, grapefruit, rosemary
Suggested protocols:
Deep Blue Rub is a prepared ointment with a great blend
of essential oils. Deep Blue blend or combinations of
the oils above typically applied 2 -3 times daily directly
to the affected areas using light massage. Use a hot
compress after massage application for deeper penetration
and relief.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Debbie - Are any of you runners?
There seem to be many oils that address "sore muscles."
Anyone have any good experience with the typical sore
muscles after you run? Also, after I ran my first marathon,
I injured my knee two years ago- IT band and meniscus.
Any suggestions to get it completely healed and
strengthened?
Monica - I'm not a runner,
but as a body worker, I help them. I'd suggest White Fir
as an excellent choice for sore muscles, Wintergreen and
Frankincense are both awesome for inflammation - I personally
prefer to use both of those together. Also, if you can
find someone in your area that does Sports Massage or Deep
Tissue Therapeutic Massage, in order to address that IT band,
you'll likely be pleased with the results. I believe that
you are absolutely on track to use Helichrysum on the knee.
I'd suggest adding a drop of Frankincense to that area as well.
I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist. In my experience,
it's that super-tight IT band (longest tendon in the body) that
is definitely the root of many a knee issue. It is usually
already a super-strong tendon, so strengthening it isn't the
issue so much as stretching it is. The way I work on it is
- with the client on the table (I do this in both prone and
supine positions), using either the heel of my hand or the back
of my fist (or both, depending upon the body), apply pressure on
the band just above the knee, working deeply but VERY slowly,
then glide toward the greater trocanter (aka the direction of
the hip joint). It is VERY important to work SLOWLY on
most bodies, as this is INTENSE work and can be quite painful if
rushed (it's not comfortable even done slowly, but can be
tolerated by most). Athletes - in particular -
benefit from work in this area. If you have a willing
partner, you can encourage 'maintenance' work at home.
Again, follow up with a nice rub of Wintergreen and/or
Frankincense (or AromaTouch) or whatever draws your attention in
the moment. And I agree with others that the Wellness Trio
supplements are vital.
Marti - I would say the
supplements are a must, then add Deep Blue and AromaTouch
to your daily routine. My husband ran the Ragnar (204 mile
relay) a couple of months ago and did fine with just these two
oils.
Dana - I went skiing last weekend and
felt pain in my knees, so I used the Past Tense roll-on.
Worked like a charm!
Marti - What do you
think for knee pain. The pain is coming from swelling due
to fluid on the knee. It was infected, the doctor gave an
antibiotic for that, but the pain and swelling are still
there and she wants to try something new.
Samara - Lemongrass, Deep Blue and
Frankincense work really well for knee pain. You might want
to try Balance or Grapefruit for the swelling.
Pat - Adding Helichrysum for the inflammation will help a
lot.
Rob – My friend Jon is an ex basketball player that has
dealt with knee pain for much of his life. He is now pain
free after consistent use of the Life Long Vitality
supplements.
Daniel - I will recommend the EOmega supplement, you need
to make the Omega3 fatty oils part of your life. Various
conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, are
rooted in the body's inflammatory response. And since
omega-3 fats help curb inflammation, these fats show promise
in the treatment of arthritis and Knee issues. Several
studies have shown that regularly consuming 2 to 3 grams of
omega-3 fats helps decrease joint tenderness and swelling in
those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Denise - I know a gentleman who a couple years ago tore
the meniscus in his knee. He had surgery to repair it. He is
a very active person and has recently started trying to
roller blade and surf again. But the pain is extreme and his
knee is stiff and swollen. Any suggestions? Can oil "heal"
the meniscus after it's been damaged?
Rob - I would consider 3 drops of Wintergreen and 3 drops
of Cypress, 3 times daily, rubbed topically on the knee
(either neat or with a carrier). Other oils that may be
helpful include Marjoram and Deep Blue.
I would also HIGHLY recommend the Life Long Vitality
supplements. I have heard numerous stories of people with
back, neck and knee issues that have been resolved after
only a few short weeks with the LLV.
David - I had my right knee scoped about 18 months ago,
and was doing really well until I took a rough hike while
seeing some of the Nez Perce battle sites. Since then (six
weeks ago), my knee has been swollen and painful. My
orthopedist wanted to give me a cortisone shot, but I
declined; he left, saying I'd be back when the pain got bad
enough. I've tried wintergreen, and wintergreen and
lavender, but am not getting much help. Maybe some of you
have some suggestions?
Pat - Deep Blue and peppermint or frankincense and Deep
Blue or helichrysum and peppermint, also marjoram is great
for the muscle around the knee. There are a plethora of oils
you can use, be intuitive and you will use the one best for
you.
Debbie - Lemongrass is amazing. What is nice is
that it is so inexpensive for being such a potent oil.
Definitely you should have that in the mix. I also
have had good success with helichrysum and marjoram - also
frankincense. (I have heard white fir is poor man's
frankincense.) I too was going to suggest birch.
Pete - Did you have a meniscus tear? If not, what was the
reason for the scope? Personally, I stay away from anything
anti-inflammatory from the doctors/OTC and that includes
staying away from ice if I can. The inflammation is part of
your bodies natural healing process. Since white tissue has
little or no blood flow, it's the inflammation that brings
the building blocks (the material) to repair that tissue.
They're called fibroblasts and this creates a "pea soup"
around the injury to initiate the healing process.
What has worked best for me is lemongrass, clove,
helichrysum, white fir and marjoram. It has helped me
from having to go through a complete knee reconstruction.
You may also want to give birch a try instead of
wintergreen. Layering peppermint last should help if
the injury isn't too deep inside the knee.
Anonymous - Try Deep Blue and lavender, it worked well for my
sister.
FBW - Does anyone know of oils that a person would be
doing before laproscopic surgery on her knee? I was thinking
of before and after surgery. She is already taking the
supplements.
Jan - If it were me, I'd start with Balance on my feet
and then apply birch if you have it, if not then wintergreen
and cypress, peppermint, marjoram and lavender. Other good
choices are Deep Blue, basil, lemongrass, and MJ Assist.
Rob - I agree with the oils already suggested completely.
I found this protocol in my collection from a long time
ago, and adjusted it to include the doTERRA AromaTouch
technique. Surgery protocol:
Pre-Op:
• Drink plenty of water with lemon, pre and post op.
Hopefully she takes the supplements.
• The weeks prior do at least two AromaTouch techniques.
This will help clear the body of inflammation, increase the
immune response of the body. And relax the body in
preparation for the trauma. You could do more if you
wanted.
• The two days prior, I would apply Balance, vetiver, and
frankincense with massage to my shoulders neck and brain
stem this will additionally release stress and strengthen
emotional response
• The two days prior, I would apply OnGuard, clary sage,
frankincense and basil to the region of the surgery (knee in
this case) You are reducing inflammation in the area,
protecting against toxins and bacteria or MRSA.
• Daily, for the week prior, I would also apply OnGuard to
the bottom of the feet. Toxic protection.
Post Op:
• As soon as possible after the surgery, apply peppermint
and basil to the area of surgery. This will increase blood
flow and circulation to the area, aiding healing. If there
is any excessive bleeding, you can apply geranium or
helichrysum instead.
• Use Clary Sage and birch or AromaTouch if there is any
cramping of the muscles in the area of the surgery.
• Also apply Frankincense and OnGuard and Oregano with
carrier to the area as soon as possible to combat post op
inflammation or MRSA.
• If the hospital will let you, diffuse frankincense and
OnGuard in the room several times per day. If they are
hesitant, make a small sptitzer with a few drops of each and
2-3 tablespoons of water and spay your bed and area with the
mixture several times per day.
• As soon as is possible after surgery, start the
AromaTouch technique again doing it at least twice over the
next week or more. This will do wonders in bringing the
body back into balance or homeostasis. It will also balance
your nervous system and reduce the physiological impact of
surgery trauma. Do Not underestimate how powerful AromaTouch
can be for surgery recovery.
Ready, Set, Grow
