Knee pain
Knee pain is a common condition which affects a wide variety of people from all stages and walks of life. Knee pain can be felt on the front or side of the knee or in the knee joint itself. It can occur due to an acute injury or may appear over time, caused by a range of different factors related to your physical movements, strength, movement abnormalities and a range of psychological, genetic and social contributors.
Some common causes of knee pain
Knee pain can be caused by a variety of reasons such as:
Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries in the knee are common and can happen due to imbalances in the muscles surrounding the knee, or from a sudden increase in activity. The two most frequent overuse injuries of the knee we see are patellofemoral pain (where the kneecap is sitting off-kilter because of muscle imbalance causing rubbing and inflammation of the underside of the patella), and patellar tendinopathy (where the tendon attaching your kneecap to your shin gets irritated from overload). Both these conditions are managed with specific graded exercise programs and stretching/releasing of the quadriceps.
Fractures: These can happen in the kneecap if you land on your knee, or at the ends of the long bones in the leg around the knee joint from traumatic injuries. If we suspect a fracture we will send you for an x-ray. Different types of fractures need different physiotherapy-led rehabilitation protocols and have rules around weight bearing. Rehabilitation is important to get you back to doing the things you love.
Patella (knee cap) dislocations: This is when the kneecap pops sideways out of its normal position at the knee joint. It is usually caused by force from a collision or fall, or with a sudden change of direction while the leg is planted. Some anatomical features put you at a greater risk of patellar dislocations. If you dislocate your patella it is important to get a brace fitted to allow for proper healing, and then follow on to a rehabilitation program to strengthen the muscles around your knee.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the knee. Osteoarthritis tends to present with a pattern of morning stiffness for 30 minutes or less, and pain that is worse with activity and improves with rest. When osteoarthritis causes pain at rest or at night, this often is an indicator that the condition is severe. Strengthening the muscles around the knee and hip can help reduce pain, improve function and delay or negate the need for knee-replacement surgery.
Ligament or meniscus tears: Ligaments (attach bone to bone) and the menisci (cushioning cartilage) are structures which stabilise the knee joint and ensure it only hinges in the direction it is meant to go. These structures can be torn partially or completely with falls, twisting incidents or with collisions in sports. Physiotherapists are experts at diagnosing ligament and meniscus injuries, with some of our clinical tests being as reliable as MRI. Different grades of tearing in different ligaments will require management that may range from bracing to strengthening, to mobilisations, to surgery. Physiotherapy should be your first port of call for a knee sprain and we will refer on for imaging or specialists if necessary.
Knee injury potential signs and symptoms
Pain or discomfort in the knee joint
Swelling or inflammation
Instability or feeling of giving way in the knee joint (a potential indication of significant ligament damage)
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Difficulty walking or standing
Physiotherapy management of knee pain
At Best Physiotherapy, we are experts in managing your knee pain. By identifying the driver of your pain we can then utilize a range of evidence based strategies to alleviate it. Some of the techniques that may assist include:
Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists use hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation to alleviate pain and stiffness, and improve joint mobility.
Education and Prevention: Our physiotherapists provide education on biomechanical positions, technique for sports activities, proper warm-up and cool-down exercises, and activity modification to prevent future injury.
Exercise Therapy: Specific exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. The exercises may include stretching, resistance training, and functional exercises.
Biomechanical Analysis: Our physiotherapists use specialized equipment to analyze your walking and running patterns to identify any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to your knee pain.
Bracing and Support: In some cases, our physiotherapists may recommend knee braces or other support devices to help stabilize and support the knee joint durin activity.
Knee pain can be debilitating, but with the right physiotherapy treatment, you can alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. At Best Physiotherapy at 72 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray, we provide personalized physiotherapy treatment plans based on your individual needs. Our aim is to alleviate your pain, improve your joint mobility, and prevent future injuries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a full recovery.