Health blog Category: knee
What is PFPS…
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition in which the tendons surrounding the knee becomes inflamed. It can also be associated with damage of the cartilage behind the knee cap (patella). PFPS is very common in many people of all age ranges and activity levels.
The most common symptom is knee pain that is described as a dull ache or pain that increases with:
- Stair climbing
- Squatting movements
- Walking after sitting for a prolonged period of time
Other Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Swelling, especially after exercise
- Restricted range of motion (inability to bend the knee or extend the knee without pain)
- Creaking/popping sensation along the front of the knee or when bending the knee
- Tenderness when you touch the front of the knee or inside border of kneecap
- Instability in the knee
Causes
- Overuse –running or jumping sports can often put repetitive stress on your knee joint, which can cause irritation under the kneecap or along the patella tendon.
Knee Issues: Treatment
Knee issues are a problem in people of all ages. It can start as a result of a minor injury or after exercise. Often with overuse or exercise induced pain, it will generally resolve in a few days however with sports specific or fall type injuries it may not get better and require an immediate visit with a doctor or physical therapist. In the case of arthritis you will begin with a mild discomfort that slowly its worse over time.
Read full blogPainful Knees Could Be Indicating a Hamstring Injury
If you’re are having trouble walking, squatting, or experiencing pain around your knee area, you may have a hamstring injury.
Our hamstring muscle group is located on the back side of our thigh and is made up of three muscles. These three muscles originate on the hip bone and attach at the knee joint. When these muscles contract, your knee bends into a flexed position, when they relax, your knee is able to straighten back out.
Read full blogAll About a Meniscus Tear
Meniscus Tear – The Basics
A meniscus is the cartilage that is found in the knee joint that sits between the bones of the leg known as the femur and tibia. Think of 2 pads that cushion the inner and outer aspects of your knee. It functions to absorb shock, distribute the load of forces in the knee and to keep the joint lubricated by moving around fluids.
A meniscus tear can frequently occur with twisting or turning activities often when the foot is planted.
Suffering From Knee Discomfort?
Knee discomfort and pain affects many people and it can limit you in the things you do every day. Knee discomfort and pain can make walking, standing and going up and down stairs difficult. People of all ages experience knee pain and discomfort that restrict them from their leisure activities. If left untreated, common knee injuries can become more complicated and lead to increased pain, joint damage or even disability.
The knee joint is one of the most important joints in the body. It allows us to bend and straighten our legs. The knee is made up of three major bones, the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the fibula (located on the outside of the femur and the shin bones). These bones are covered by cartilage and supported by the meniscus – a weight bearing C-shaped structure (located in the knee joint between the femur and tibia) that serves as a shock absorber, and stabilizing ligaments (fibrous tissue) that connect the bones (femur and tibia) and
together.
Difficulty kneeling, squatting or using stairs…
The number one complaint from someone experiencing any kind of knee problem is pain under or around the knee cap. 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.
This kind of pain can greatly limit our functional mobility. Some people also experience stiffness in and around the knee making it difficult to move the joint.