Military life is active and mobile. As such, you cannot currently enlist in the military if you have a preexisting knee condition, including surgically corrected ligaments and loose cartilage within the knee joint.

However, knee problems rank among the military’s most common physical ailments. Abrupt aircraft landings can jolt a service member’s knee joint right before safely touching the ground. Constant running while preparing for a physical fitness evaluations can gradually tear on a veteran’s ligaments. A sudden or rough fall during basic training can damage cartilage and or even break a bone.

Luckily, there are many nonsurgical remedies than can help on-the-go military members and veterans manage their knee pain while both on and off duty.

Compression Sleeves

You’ve probably seen marathon runners wearing colorful bands from Tommie Copper and the like around their knees or ankles while crossing the finish line. That’s because wearing a copper and zinc-infused sleeve over your problem knee helps reduce inflammation and relieve joint soreness. Veterans who spend all day on their feet can slide on one of these soft, sweat resistant sleeves so they can remain active without experiencing gradual knee pain.

Tommie Copper currently leads the way when it comes to compression sleeves, and they offer a military discount.

The Hot/Cold Treatment

This at-home remedy duo has been passed down through generations of athletes as a catch-all solution or any knee trauma. Experts suggest  applying an ice pack or cold compress to the knee within the first 48 hours of damage in order to facilitate the healing process. Cooler temperatures soothe pain and reduce swelling.

After the knee has rested and healed for a few days, use heating pads to prepare it once again for physical activity. The heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscles, better preparing the knee to once again jump into action.

Prevention

The best way to help your knee is to prevent any additional injuries.

Here’s a short list of tips for keeping your knee in good shape:

1) Do not run too much, too soon – start a running program gradually even if you were on the cross-country team ten years ago.

2) Replace old shoes every 300-400 miles of at least every 6 months and try not to use your running shoes as your everyday shoes. We walk differently than we run.

3) Stretch daily and become flexible especially in the hamstrings, calves, and lower back.

4) Strengthen thigh and hamstring muscles so you do not create imbalances in strength and flexibility.

5) Always rest, ice and only do non-impact aerobics such as swimming, biking or rowing if your knees hurt when you run.

6) My rule: If it hurts to walk – DON’T RUN! If it hurts to run – just walk.

[Military.com]