Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, overuse, and poor posture. Our team of experienced physical therapists is here to provide you with information and exercises to help you manage your knee pain and improve your quality of life.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
There are many different causes of knee pain, including:
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms of arthritis that can cause knee pain.
- Injury: Knee injuries such as ligament tears, fractures, or dislocations can cause significant knee pain and require prompt medical attention.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions such as running or jumping can cause knee pain due to overuse.
- Poor posture: Poor posture, particularly in sitting or standing for long periods of time, can cause knee pain.
Symptoms of Knee Pain
Symptoms of knee pain can range from mild to severe, and may include:
- Stiffness or swelling in the knee joint
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Clicking or popping noises in the knee joint
- Limited range of motion in the knee
Common Knee Injuires
Knee injuries are a common problem that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Some common knee injuries include:
- Ligament tears: The knee has four main ligaments that can tear, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
- Meniscus tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone and shin bone. It can tear due to sudden twisting or overuse.
- Patellar tendinitis: This is an overuse injury that results in inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This condition is characterized by pain in the front of the knee, often due to misalignment of the kneecap.
- Bursitis: The bursae are small sacs of fluid that cushion the knee joint. They can become inflamed and painful due to overuse or injury.
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Physical therapy is a common and effective treatment option for knee pain. Our team of physical therapists will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Treatment may include:
- Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce knee pain and improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Modalities: We may use modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Bracing: We may recommend a brace to help support and stabilize the knee joint.
- Manual therapy: Our physical therapists may use hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Preventing Knee Pain
Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to knee pain. Some tips for preventing knee pain include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the knees.
- Wearing comfortable shoes that provide proper support and cushioning.
- Using proper form and technique during physical activity to avoid injury.
- Taking breaks and stretching during long periods of standing or sitting.
- Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint with regular exercise.
We can help you manage knee pain and improve function. Schedule an appointment to learn about your options and achieve your goals.
