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 Knee Pain and Knee InjuryKnee pain and/or injury are fairly common. Knee pain or injury can affect nearly anyone whether you are highly active or fairly sedentary. There are many potential causes for non traumatic knee pain, and physical therapy treatment may be the best treatment option for you. Knee PainHow Physical Therapy Can Help
Preventing Knee Injuries
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Anatomy of a Bad KneeInjuries to the knee can usually be grouped into two categories:Acute Macro-Traumatic Injury An example of this type of injury is a tear of a ligament, which is part of the passive restraint system of the knee. Perhaps the most common in this category is the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is usually caused by over-rotation of the joint. This is a very common sports injury. Micro-Traumatic Injury These injuries are usually due to overstress of normal tissue. Instead of damage from one event, the knee suffers many repetitive injuries over a period of time. Micro-trauma often occurs with a sudden increase in exercise levels. Knee Injury Treatment OptionsUnfortunately, there are no quick cures for knee injuries.
You typically have the option of physical therapy or surgery combined
with physical therapy, depending on the severity of the injury. Common Injuries /Situations and SolutionsInjuries of the Meniscus may occur if a person moves, falls or is injured in some way. Severe injuries may require surgical intervention to repair, more minor injuries may respond to rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, a physical therapist can guide you in returning to your normal activities.Baker's Cyst is the term given to a fairly common benign cyst that can develop behind the knee in what is know as the popliteal fossa. The cysts may be painful and may be palpable. A consultation with your medical doctor would be warranted, and many treatment options are available including wait and see, surgical removal or physical therapy treatment. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is more frequently injured by females (8 times more often). The ACL is a ligament in the knee that attaches the femur to the tibia. An ACL tear is nearly always associated with a traumatic event and can occur in combination with other injuries such as a meniscus tear and/or medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears. Treatment usually requires surgical intervention followed by physical therapy care to insure proper rehabilitation and return to activities. Patellofemoral pain is a general term used to describe anterior knee pain. It is typically associated with improper tracking of the patella (knee cap) due to muscle weakness or imbalance causing pain and inflammation around the patella. Treatment usually consists of specific strengthening exercises to the lower extremity to promote proper patellar movement and modalities for pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis of the knee is the joint most commonly affected by arthritis. There are many potential factors that can lead to arthritis in the knee including obesity, trauma, ligamentous instability and malalignment of the lower extremity. It is usually associated with morning stiffness and pain, chronic swelling, crepitus and gating. Sever cases may require surgical intervention (ie total joint replacement). However, many times a proper strengthening and exercise program can prevent surgical necessity and allow an individual to lead a normal nearly pain free life. Patellar Dislocation is more common in women than in men, and typically in younger individuals. The causes of patellar dislocation can be varied including trauma or just an awkward movement. Women are more likely to experience this injury because of their knee alignment, ligament laxity and muscle strength imbalances. Typically a consultation with your doctor is warranted to insure no long term damage was done during the injury. Then physical therapy treatment can be beneficial to facilitate return to normal function and for prevention of future reoccurrences. |