Knee pain is an exceedingly common issue, especially among active athletes and older people. The knee joint has a uniquely complex structure that serves to carry and transfer body weight. As such, it’s susceptible to damage from sudden cutting or pivoting movements, poor mechanics, and natural degeneration with age.
Knee pain causes are diverse, and persistent pain should be consulted with a certified medical professional such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or an orthopedic surgeon. It’s essential to seek treatment early because dysfunction of one joint can lead to issues in other parts of the musculoskeletal system as well.
Today, we will present you with some of the most common knee pain causes and proven physiotherapeutic strategies that can treat them.
Muscle Strains and Tendon Injuries
There are a lot of muscles and tendons that cross and attach to the knee. It’s easy for them to become strained and become inflamed during excessive use. Strains and other knee injuries are common with athletes in soccer and skiing. They can occur suddenly after an injury or develop gradually.
Ligament Sprains and Tears
Knee sprains usually occur during awkward landings or cutting and pivoting movements in various sports, with the most commonly injured ligament being the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Knee sprains always require medical care and usually surgery to heal, so don’t postpone your visit to a medical professional in such case.
Injury to the Meniscus
Meniscal injuries happen as a result of excessive twisting of the knee. In addition to pain, you might be experiencing clicking or popping sounds and feeling as if the knee is stuck and you need to shake it out.
Knee Bursitis
Bursae are sacs of fluid located near the tendons in larger joints of the body. They work to reduce the friction between the tissues. Knee bursitis is an inflammation of one of the eleven such sacs in the knee that can be remarkably painful. Like with other injuries, bursitis can occur due to overworking of the joint.
Knee Osteoarthritis
As we age, it’s natural for our joints and cartilages to wear out, which leads to more pressure on these structures. Inflammation then ensues to cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Several physiotherapeutic methods can alleviate your knee pain and speed up the recovery process.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy uses a set of procedures that manipulate your muscles and joints to relax and treat pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.
Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound is a scientifically proven method that uses high-frequency vibrating waves. These can significantly alleviate knee pain and improve joint mobility.
Electrical Stimulation
Various electrical stimulation methods can benefit and treat the inflammation that’s causing persistent knee pain. Shockwave therapy is one such method. It accelerates the healing process in the injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
During your first session of physiotherapy, you’ll receive an individualized assessment and physical test to investigate the source of your knee pain.
The specialist will then propose an effective treatment plan based on your injury and tailored to your needs. They might suggest some mild exercises for the knee muscles.
Knee pain is not something that you should try to cope with on your own. Get in touch with a specialist that can help you get through it.
Luckily, there’s no need to type “physiotherapy near me” online; opt for Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic instead! We’ve successfully treated hundreds of patients presenting with knee pain using scientifically proven physiotherapeutic methods.
Call us at 780-417-5500 or book an appointment online.