Don't Let Knee Pain Keep You Down

Approximately 25% of American adults have experienced knee pain at some point, affecting the function of the knee. In fact, prevalence of knee pain has increased over the past 20 years, causing many to experience difficulty performing activities such as walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, or playing sports.  The good news, however, is that physical therapists are specially trained to help diagnose and treat knee pain, enabling many individuals return to their normal activities without pain or limitation. 

What Type of Pain?
If you are experiencing knee pain, it is important to determine if the pain is acute, sub-acute, or chronic in nature. This can help guide proper diagnosis and treatment.  

• Acute Pain is usually the most severe and occurs 1-7 days after injury. 
• Sub-acute pain occurs from 2-6 weeks after injury.
• Chronic knee pain is pain lasting greater than 8-12 weeks. 

If you develop acute knee pain, immediately follow the R.I.C.E. principle. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. After a few days of R.I.C.E., you can begin using the leg, only gently. If pain persists for more than 2-3 weeks, however, it's time to visit a doctor or physical therapist to rule out any major problem and ensure proper diagnosis and management.
Where Does It Hurt?
Knee pain can occur suddenly for no apparent reason or develop slowly as the result of repetitive trauma. Knee pain occurs in different parts of the knee, depending on what structures in the knee are involved. Below is a general breakdown of the areas in which knee pain may occur and the structures of the knee that may be involved:

• Anterior knee pain, also referred to as patellofemoral pain, is pain around the kneecap (patella) in front of the knee, caused when the kneecap shifts out of position. This condition often affects younger females, and may be due to overuse injury. Pain often occurs when performing activities like squats or stair-climbing.
• Lateral knee pain is pain that occurs on the outside of the knee. It is a type of overuse injury that commonly occurs in runners when the tendon called the iliotibial band (ITB) becomes irritated. Pain is often felt when performing activities such as climbing stairs, or when walking or running.
• Medial knee pain is pain that occurs along the inside of the knee when the MCL or the medial meniscus become irritated due to direct injury or overuse. Pain is felt when squatting, walking up or down an incline, or going down stairs.
• Pain caused by a ligament tear may result from a direct blow to the knee, or when twisting or pivoting the knee while the foot is planted on the ground. Immediate pain and swelling typically occur, and the knee may feel unstable—like it will "give out"—when an individual attempts to put weight on the involved leg.
• Pain caused by osteoarthritis may occur anywhere in the knee where cartilage has broken down. This type of knee pain may begin as mild and progressively worsen. It can become increasingly difficult to walk long distances, fully bend and straighten the knee, climb stairs, or squat to sit in a chair. The knee also may swell intermittently with increased activity.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
After a focused examination has been completed, your physical therapist can work with you to start the correct treatment.  Based on the findings of your evaluation, your PT will develop a customized rehabilitation program to ensure a safe return to your desired activities. Some general treatment techniques may include:

• Pain management. Your physical therapist may provide treatments using different "modalities" such as ice, heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to help decrease pain and swelling.
• Manual therapy. Your therapist will apply manual (hands-on) therapy to gently guide movement of the knee area to restore joint and tissue mobility.
• Therapeutic exercises. Your physical therapist will prescribe specific strengthening, flexibility, and endurance exercises to address your specific needs and goals.
• Functional exercises. You will learn individualized exercises designed to help you return to your home, work, and sport activities. These also may include balance and coordination exercises.
• Self-care instruction. Your physical therapist will teach you ways to manage your pain at home, and design a safe and effective home-exercise program based on your specific condition, which you can continue long after your formal physical therapy sessions have ended. You also will learn how to avoid placing unnecessary forces on the knee during your daily activities for years to come.

The knee is a major joint in the body that is needed for most activities.  Experiencing pain can limit one or all of these activities.  By working with your physical therapist and keeping the knee joint mobile and strong, problems with knee pain may be avoided, and your mobility can be maintained.  If you are experiencing knee pain, don't wait to get the relief you need.  Call us today to get started on your journey back to health!  

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