Hear from our patient, Kevin on his ACL recovery in this short video.

Causes of Knee Pain

The knee joint is very prone to injuries. Common injuries include meniscal injuries, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and tendon injuries. The menisci and ligaments can be torn if the knee is bent and twisted. If not repaired, the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases. Any sudden change in direction or twisting motion can injure the anterior cruciate ligament. Most of these injuries are the result of a blow to the outside of the knee. Tendon injuries can result if the tendon is overstretched. Activities that can injure tendons include squatting, running and jumping. A dislocated kneecap is another common cause of pain in the knee which occurs when the patella is abruptly moved out of position.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, and osteoarthritis can also cause knee pain. With the breakdown of cartilage due to osteoarthritis in the knee, the bones begin to rub against each other and cause pain. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the membrane that lines the knees’ joints. The end result is inflammation, joint damage, and joint pain in the knee.

How Physical Therapy Can Diagnose And Manage Your Knee Problems

The primary objective of physical therapy is to identify the injury or cause of your knee pain and dysfunction. Once that is established, we focus to restore normal range of motion, strength, and stability of the structures around the knee joint. This is done by re-establishing normal mechanics of the joint with respects to the structures that create movement and stabilize movement. Our therapists are different from other therapists in our extensive training and understanding of the in-depth mechanics of the knee joint and it’s intimate connections with the hip and core.

All knee conditions and injuries are the result of loss of stability and control of the knee’s mechanical movements. Whether your knee condition has involved surgery or not, you will ultimately need to restore normal mechanical stability of the structures from your hip down to the knee.  This can only be done with specific equipment and the appropriate training of the staff to restore the normal mechanics.

Beginning Treatment

After a thorough evaluation, your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan. Initial treatments may include ultrasound and ice to relieve pain and swelling. There will also be specific exercises to improve hip strength, pain, and mobility. For pain in the knee, tests are also done along with passive and active treatments such as stretching.

Treatment with a physical therapist for pain in the hip or knee can result in a faster recovery and help you avoid surgery. Plus, you won’t have to just rely on pain meds anymore.

If you’re suffering from knee pain, contact us today for a complimentary consultation at Pinnacle Physical Therapy. Our knee specialists are your path to recovery. We are committed to giving you a healthy and painless life..