The knee is the body’s biggest joint. Without it, standing is impossible. The knees bear weight and the impacts of the wear and tear. Because of this, knee pain is quite common. Advances in scottsdale az comprehensive musculoskeletal care and medicine have made it possible to diagnose and treat pain in the knee safely and effectively.
Knee pain can develop suddenly without a clear reason. Also, it can happen slowly due to repeated trauma. It can develop in any part of your knee.
Kinds of Knee Pain
The kind of knee pain you may experience depends on which part of your knee it develops.
- Anterior knee pain. This pain occurs around the patella. It usually develops when your kneecap is not in its proper position. It can occur when you perform activities such as walking uphill, squatting, or climbing stairs.
- Lateral knee pain. This type of knee pain develops on your knee’s outside part. It results from overuse injuries that runners commonly sustain. It is characterized by the irritation of the iliotibial band.
- Medial knee pain. This knee pain happens along your knee’s inside portion. It results from the irritation of the MCL because of overuse or direct injury.
- Ligament tear-related pain. This kind of knee pain may be due to a direct blow to your knee. Also, it can develop after twisting or pivoting your knee when your foot is on the ground.
- Osteoporosis-related pain. You can experience this pain anywhere in your knee where there is a breakdown of cartilage. While it can start as mild pain, it gets worse over time.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Knee Pain Management
When you choose physical therapy for knee pain, your therapist will create a rehab program personalized to your specific condition. With such a program, you can safely return to the activities you enjoy. General treatments for knee pain include patient education, pain management, range-of-motion exercises, manual therapy, functional training, muscle strengthening, and assistive devices. You may be referred to an orthopedic specialist who specializes in knee injuries and conditions.
If you need knee surgery, your physical therapist will work with your orthopedic surgeon. They can tell you the amount of activity you can do. The activities the therapist may allow depend on the kind of knee surgery you undergo. Physical therapy may also be recommended before surgery for increased strength and motion. Physical exercise can help with your recovery after surgery.