Knee Pain

Knee injuries might be associated with sharp or aching pain, swelling in and around the joint and difficulty with functional movements including walking, sit to stand, staircase climbing.

You may experience

  • Inability to bear weight on the injured leg
  • Buckling: feeling that the knee gives out due to weakness
  • Inability to fully extend or flex the knee
  • Crepitus: cracking sound in the knee joint

Common Knee Injuries:

  • Patellar tendonitis
  • Meniscus tear
  • Chondromalacia patella
  • Arthritis
  • Torn ligaments
  • Dislocation
  • Bursitis
  • Gout

Factors that may worsen knee pain:

  • Repetitive movement
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Poor posture
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle weakness and/or tightness

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical aims to reduce pain and improve function through:

  • Soft tissue (muscle) and joint mobility
  • Increase joint range of motion
  • Lower extremity strengthening exercises
  • Neuromuscular and motor control training
  • Education on body ergonomics
  • Postural re-education

Tips for Home

  • Apply ice (acute) or heat (chronic) 
  • Supportive shoes with good shock absorption
  • Gentle stretching of the lower extremity muscles