Knee pain is a very common problem which can result in difficulty with our daily activities.
Causes of Knee Pain
Problems can stem from many different causes. The most common cause of knee pain and dysfunction, is weakness of musculature surrounding the knee and hip resulting in abnormal mechanics. When the knee joint is not moving properly there is unnecessary rubbing and pressure within the joint that results in pain and inflammation. Pain and inflammation can cause even more muscle weakness and tightness which will result in further stress on the knee. Overtime inflammation will result in slow tissue healing and can start to negatively affect the tendons, ligaments and muscles. The longer you experience symptoms the weaker and stiffer you knee can become which in turn more greatly impacts your function.
Symptoms and Restrictions Associated with Knee Pain
People commonly come in to physical therapy with different complaints involving the knee. The number one complaint is knee pain that is under or around the knee cap that can greatly limit your functional mobility. Some people also experience stiffness in and around their knee causing difficulty moving the joint and generalized weakness in the affected leg. Having pain or stiffness in your knee can cause difficulty walking, pain going up and down stairs, pain with squatting, difficulty standing up from a chair, and inability to kneel.
You will likely also have difficulty with lifting, pushing or pulling tasks. Stiffness in your knee can cause pain in the morning, difficulty moving or walking after staying in a prolonged position, or inability to sit for a period of time. These restrictions limit your normal daily routine and over time become a serious problem.
How to Treat Knee Pain
There are options for treatment of knee pain including:
- Injections
- Medications
- Surgery
However, a majority of knee problems can be resolved or better managed without the need for injections, medications or surgery.
Physical Therapy can Help!
Physical therapy will help decrease your pain and improve your function regardless if you have been experiencing pain for days or years. Through specific strengthening and stretching exercises physical therapy can help restore normal muscle balance in your legs, resulting in improved mechanics. This will decrease the pressure and subsequent pain within the joint. Physical therapy will also teach you proper movement patterns to ensure better alignment to resolve and prevent symptoms from reoccurring. At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center we will fully evaluate your knee and associated symptoms and help restore your function to its fullest and get you back to your normal lifestyle!
By Angie Austin, LPTA
