Any kind of knee pain or stiffness makes simple daily activities such as walking, going up or down the stairs, squatting, and standing up from a chair, difficult.
The number one complaint from someone experiencing any kind of knee problem is pain under or around the knee cap. This type of pain can greatly limit functional mobility.
Some people also experience stiffness in and around the knee making it difficult to move the joint. Others also have generalized weakness in that same leg further making it very difficult to stand in line at the grocery store or while doing the dishes and cooking meals.
Knee Injuries: Meniscus Tear
One common knee injury is a meniscus tear. This can be treated surgically or non-surgically depending on the severity of the tear in the knee, the menisci serve as a cushion between the two major bones in your leg: the femur or thigh bone and the tibia or the shinbone. The cartilage can become damaged during activity where the knee is forced to twist or rotate.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Common symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness, especially when trying to fully straighten or bend your knee. Depending on the type of tear, you may also experience locking and clicking.
Causes of Meniscus Tears
Some common causes of meniscus tears include:
- Forceful rotations
- Sudden stops
- Aggressive pivoting
- Deep squatting
- Sometimes even just kneeling.
Although most of the causes seem sports-related, degenerative changes in the knees can also contribute to a torn meniscus.
How Can PT Help?
It is important to get any knee pain addressed as to avoid any need for surgery. Physical therapy is an effective treatment method to help with any knee-related pain or discomfort. A majority of knee problems can be resolved with physical therapy and no need for surgery, prescription medications, or injections.
Address any knee issues immediately to help prevent any further injury to the area and get back to kicking that soccer ball or running that marathon as soon as possible.
Physical therapy can help restore normal muscle balance in your legs and off load your knees resulting in improved mechanics and decreased pain. It will help you improve your mobility regardless of how long you have been experiencing pain, and it can help restore normal muscle balance in your legs and off load your knees resulting in improved mechanics as well.
CALL Loudoun Sports Therapy Center at 703-450-4300. Our Physical Therapists will develop a personalized plan of care specifically for your needs to help you return to all the activities you enjoy!
CLICK HERE for more on how physical therapy can help you.
