Have your knees been through a lot? Overuse, surgeries, injections, injuries and more? Have you had knee pain over months or years? Confused on where to start with your knee pain? Even if you have you tried physical therapy? Even if you have not had success without other interventions or physical therapy, give us a try!
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints that patients discuss with their medical providers. It can affect people of all ages. Knee pain can be caused by arthritis, recent or chronic injury, medical issues or overuse.
Common Causes & Conditions
Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. With over 100 different types, it affects more than 3 million people each year. Arthritis worsens over time, damages the joints, and causes the affected joints to be painful and stiff. The most common types of arthritis that affect the knees are:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that provides cushioning between the bones begins to wear away. Without the soft cushioning of the cartilage, the bones rub against each other causing the affected areas to become stiff, painful and swollen. There are a variety of causes of osteoarthritis including injury, obesity, and family history of the disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body begins to attack itself. The disorder causes the immune system to damage its own tissues. It affects the joints but can also damage a wide variety of your body’s systems.
Injuries
A knee injury can affect the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons of the knee. A few of the most common knee injuries include:
ACL Injury
An ACL injury affects more than 200,000 people each year. When this injury occurs, it is the tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is a major ligament responsible for stabilizing in the knee. The injury occurs when a sudden movement causes the ligament to tear or sprain. The symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, and pain from the damaged knee.
Torn Meniscus
One of the most common knee injuries is a torn meniscus. This can occur when the knee is forcibly while in weightbearing. It can also occur over time with wear and tear. The symptoms include popping, swelling, stiffness, intense pain, and the inability to straighten the knee.
Knee Bursitis
The small cushions that help the bones, tendons, and muscles around the joints are called bursae. When the bursae become inflamed, the painful condition bursitis sets in. Bursitis affects the joints in the body that are used more frequently in repetitive motions.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is an injury or inflammation of the tissue that connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
When Should I See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms or signs occur:
- Fever
- Signs of infection
- Swelling
- Redness
- Unable to put weight on the knee
- Can’t fully extend or flex the knee
- Increasing pain over time
- Knee “gives out” locks, or feels unstable.
At Physical Therapy Innovations (PTI), our goal help you achieve a better the quality of life. We take your pain and symptoms seriously and strive to establish an accurate diagnosis along with a treatment plan to minimize your pain and allow you to return to doing what you love to do. To determine the exact cause of your pain, our Physical Therapist will perform a thorough physical examination to determine the best treatment options suited for you.
At PTI, we offer a different approach to physical therapy. We believe you deserve personalized, one-on-one care every treatment, therefore we never double book. All our patients are seen by a licensed physical therapist; we do not utilize aides or assistants in our practice. In addition, we include the whole-body in both assessment and treatment to assure nothing is missed in your diagnosis and plan of care.
If you are experiencing knee pain, give us a call today to schedule an appointment! Let’s get you back to doing what you love to do! 508-721-0000
https://www.physicaltherapyinnovations.com
