Knee Pain Doesn't Have To Be A Mystery

Knee pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common types of knee injuries include:

1. Meniscus Tears: These can occur during sports injuries, falls, deep squatting or twisting of the knee. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber and helps to stabilize the joint. There are two menisci in each knee, one on the inner side of the joint (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus).

2. Ligament Injuries: These can occur when one or more of the ligaments that supports the knee joint is stretched or torn. The knee has four main ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

3. Patellar Fractures: These typically occur after a direct trauma to the knee cap, such as a car accident, fall or sports injury. Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones, may increase the likelihood of fractures due to these direct traumas.

Untreated, these injuries can progress to Knee Osteoarthritis - a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage in the joint to wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. It's worth noting that osteoarthritis can also develop as a result of normal wear and tear on the joint over time, without any specific injury.

If you are experiencing knee pain, it is important to seek medical attention and follow your physician’s or physical therapist's treatment recommendations. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people are able to find relief from knee pain and return to their normal activities.

Below are some ways to start addressing knee pain symptoms:

1. Rest: Resting the affected leg can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Ice: Applying ice to the affected knee can help to reduce swelling and numb the area to reduce pain.

3. Medications: If permitted by your physician, over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen) or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) can help to reduce your symptoms. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.

4. Physical Therapy: Physical therapists use a variety of techniques and therapies to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility and strength, and reduce the risk of future injuries. These may include exercise, stretching, manual therapy, and education on how to properly care for the knee.

5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the involved knee joint. This may be recommended for severe injuries or for conditions that do not respond to other forms of treatment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your knee pain and would like to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at NSBPT with our Doctor of Physical Therapy, please give us a call at 386-957-3902!