Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among the patients we treat as physical therapists. In fact, approximately 1 in every 4 adults have experienced knee pain that impacts their normal daily function.
The extent of knee pain can vary significantly depending on the nature of the injury. From sprained ligaments because of a sport-related injury to degenerative bone changes due to osteoarthritis, MVPT is your go-to medical provider to help you return to the activities you love.
Common Knee Injuries
Thanks to thousands of steps, strides, and squats across a lifetime, knee injuries are very common. Here are four knee injuries that physical therapists routinely treat.
Iliotibial Band (IT Band) Syndrome
IT Band Syndrome causes aching, burning pain that is felt on the outside of the leg, right along with the knee joint. The pain comes from the irritation of the IT band as it moves over the outer edge of the femur (the large thigh bone in the upper leg). As you bend and straighten your knee, the IT band (which runs from the top of the hip/thigh all the way to the top of the shin) moves over the femur at the knee joint. A tight IT band creates more friction, thus more pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is a progressive wearing away of the cartilage that covers the surfaces of a bone. In fact, degenerative changes to the knee joint can be measured in people as young as 50 years old! In the knee joint, where the surfaces of bones meet, OA symptoms include aching on the inside of the knee, limited range of motion, tenderness, and swelling of the joint. An Arthritis Research & Technology study concluded that knee pain lasting more than one year is commonly associated with OA.
Ligament Injuries
There are four ligaments that connect the femur to the lower leg:
- ACL- anterior cruciate ligament
- PCL- posterior cruciate ligament
- MCL- medial collateral ligament
- LCL- lateral collateral ligament
The ACL ligament is the main stabilizer of the knee, running through the center of the joint. Ligament injuries can occur as a result of a sudden movement occurring during sport or work activities. Symptoms include “popping” noise in the knee at the time of injury, sudden onset of severe pain in the knee, and swelling of the knee within 24 hours of the incident. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the ligament sprain or tear.
Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
PFPS is a condition to describe pain in the front of the knee, around the patella (knee cap). It is commonly referred to as “jumper’s knee” or “runner’s knee.” Although symptoms can be painful, the cause of pain is commonly overuse or trauma such as falling onto the patella. PFPS pain presents during strenuous, repetitive exercise, and standing after prolonged sitting (think long road trip).
The Good News
As experts in movement, physical therapists are key members of your medical team when dealing with a knee injury. Following a thorough evaluation, your physical therapist will explain the type of knee injury you are dealing with, the likely cause of your symptoms, and chart a plan that includes your return to maximum function. With a physical therapist on your team, you are the captain of your recovery as you kick knee pain to the curb.
Don’t suffer from knee pain, call any MVPT Physical Therapy location to schedule or complete the form below to request an appointment.
