We've introduced an exercise for knee pain. The video is here. However, let's talk more about knee pain.
Knee pain can result from disease, overuse injury, or trauma. Among American adults, approximately 25% have experienced knee pain that affects the function of their knee. In runners, the knee is the part of the body that is injured most often. Changes to the knee related to aging (osteoarthritis) commonly occur in people over the age of 50. Knee pain also occurs in growing children. Pain can reduce their participation in physical activities, which may lead to other problems later in life.
Knee pain can be mild, or it can be severe and sharp. Knee injuries can result from a direct blow to the knee or a sudden movement that strains the knee beyond the normal range of motion. Knee pain can make it hard to walk, rise from a chair, climb stairs, or play sports. Physical therapists are trained to diagnose and treat knee pain and to help ease your pain and restore movement. They also can work together with other members of your health care team.
What Is Knee Pain?
The knee joint is a hinge that connects the shin bone (tibia) and the thigh bone (femur) at the knee cap (patella). Four main ligaments support the knee joint. They are the:
Anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL.
Posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL.
Medial collateral ligament, or MCL.
Lateral collateral ligament, or LCL.
Injury to any of these ligaments can cause knee pain.
Two rings of cartilage (the medial and lateral meniscus), attached to the shin bone (tibia), also act as shock absorbers for the knee. When this protective cartilage gradually wears away over time, osteoarthritis develops — causing pain and swelling in the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain.
How Does It Feel?
Knee pain can occur suddenly for no apparent reason. It also can develop slowly, as a result of repeated trauma. Knee pain occurs in different parts of the knee. Below is an overview of the types of knee pain, and the areas in which they may occur:
Anterior knee pain. This condition is also called patellofemoral (or kneecap) pain. Pain is felt around the kneecap (patella) at the front of the knee. This type of knee pain is caused when the kneecap shifts out of position. Kneecap pain commonly affects younger females, such as athletes, and may be due to repeated movements or overuse. Pain often occurs when performing activities like squatting, walking uphill, or climbing stairs.
Lateral knee pain. This pain occurs on the outside of the knee. It is a type of overuse injury common in runners. It happens when the tendon called the iliotibial band becomes irritated. Pain is often felt when performing activities such as climbing stairs, walking, or running.
Medial knee pain. This pain occurs along the inside of the knee. It develops when the MCL becomes irritated due to direct injury or overuse. You may feel pain when squatting, walking up or down a hill or ramp, or going down stairs.
Pain caused by a ligament tear. This type of pain may result from a direct blow to the knee. It also can occur if you twist or pivot your knee while your foot is planted on the ground. Instant pain and swelling usually occur. The knee may feel unstable — like it will give out — when you try to put weight on your leg.
Pain caused by osteoarthritis, or OA. This type of pain may occur anywhere in the knee where cartilage has broken down. It may begin as mild and gradually get worse. Over time, the pain can begin to limit your ability to fully bend and straighten your knee, climb stairs, squat, or lower yourself to sit in a chair. The knee also may swell, off and on, with increased activity. OA can make it more and more difficult to walk long distances.
How Is It Diagnosed?
How did your injury occur?
Were there previous injuries to your knee earlier in your life?
What are your current symptoms? How have they affected your daily activities?
Where is your pain located? How intense is your pain? Does your pain vary during the day?
Are there any activities that you are unable to do? Is it hard for you to complete any activities due to your injury?
How have you taken care of your knee condition so far? Have you seen other health care providers or had imaging tests (X-ray or MRI)? What are the results of any tests that you have had?
Activities that aggravate your symptoms will be noted as well as any ways that help you reduce your symptoms. Some patients have difficulty with activities at work or with activities such as shopping, cooking, and walking. More active patients may have symptoms during higher levels of activity, like running or other sports. Pain may cause them to stop their desired activity.
Gathering this information allows your physical therapist to understand your condition better. It will help them determine the course of a physical examination, which will include various tests and measures.
Physical examinations vary. Most often, they begin by observing any movements that cause the problems discussed in your interview. Your physical examination will include the area of your pain. It also will include other areas of your body that may have changed or been forced to overwork, including your:
Low back.
Hip.
Thigh.
Ankle.
Foot.
Your physical therapist may watch how you walk, use the stairs, squat, and balance on one leg. The tests your physical therapist does will help them find out if you have:
Limited range of motion in your knee.
Pain in your knee with specific movements.
Weakness in the muscles around your hip, knee, or ankle.
Limited flexibility in your hip, knee, or ankle.
Difficulty walking.
Difficulty performing activities, such as rising from a chair or climbing stairs.
Problems with your balance or coordination.
Difficulty controlling your knee during certain activities.
Difficulty performing specific sports activities (for athletes).
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Your physical therapist will develop a personalized rehabilitation program for your condition.
Patient education. Your physical therapist will work with you to identify and change any factors causing your pain. They will work with you on the type and amount of exercise you do, your athletic activities, and your footwear. They will recommend improvements to your daily activities.
Pain management. Your physical therapist will design a program to address your pain that includes applying ice to the affected area. They also may recommend modifying some activities that cause pain. Your physical therapist will use and teach you pain-management techniques to reduce or eliminate the need for medication, including opioids.
Range-of-motion exercise. If the mobility (movement) of your knee is limited, it can cause increased stress on your knee. Lack of movement in your hip, foot, or ankle also may be forcing your knee to work at a disadvantage. Your physical therapist may teach you stretching techniques to decrease tension and help restore the normal motion of your joints. These will focus on joints from the pelvis/hip region down to your foot.
Manual therapy. Your physical therapist may treat your condition by applying hands-on treatments (manual therapy) to gently move your muscles and joints. These techniques help to restore and improve proper motion. They also may be used to guide your joints into a less stressful movement pattern. Your physical therapist may provide gentle resistance as you perform certain movements, to improve your strength.
Muscle strengthening. Muscle weaknesses or imbalances can cause some knee conditions and continued symptoms. Based on your specific condition, your physical therapist will design a safe resistance program for you. This program likely will include exercises to strengthen your core (midsection) and your lower extremities.
Functional training. Once your pain, strength, and motion improve you will need to safely and slowly return to more demanding activities. It is essential to learn safe, controlled movements so you can minimize the stress on your knee. Based on your unique condition and goals, your physical therapist will provide you with a series of activities to help you use and move your body correctly and safely.
Braces and other assistive devices. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist or other members of the health care team may recommend braces, walking aides, wraps, or tape. These devices may assist in your recovery.
A cane, walker, or crutches can help reduce your pain and improve your ability to walk. Your physical therapist may recommend that you use these walking aids for a short time. Or, if you have specific conditions, such as osteoarthritis, you may need to use them longer.
Your physical therapist may recommend a brace to stabilize your knee during the initial recovery phase. They can assist you with fitting the brace and teach you how to use it.
Wrapping your knee to reduce swelling may be recommended. Your physical therapist will use specific wrapping techniques. They also may recommend the use of compression stockings.
What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?
All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat knee pain. However, you may want to consider:
A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with knee pain. Some physical therapists have a practice with an orthopedic and sports focus.
A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic, manual, or sports physical therapy. This physical therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.
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