Knee Pain Treatment
Get Back to Moving With Confidence
Knee pain can show up at any age, and it’s one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or physical therapist. The good news is that most knee problems respond well to simple treatment, and our team is here to help you find the right path forward.
A Closer Look at Your Knee
Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body. It connects your thigh bone to your shin bone through your kneecap, and relies on cartilage to help it move smoothly, meniscus to absorb shock, and ligaments to keep it stable. With that much working together, it’s no surprise the knee is vulnerable to injury.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Pain?
You may notice:
- ✓Achiness
- ✓Locking or catching
- ✓Sharp pain
- ✓Pain around, above, or below the kneecap
- ✓Clicking
- ✓Stiffness
What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain can start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise, or it can begin as mild discomfort that slowly gets worse. Common causes include:
- ✓Strain or sprain, minor injuries to the muscles or ligaments from sudden or unnatural twisting
- ✓Kneecap dislocation, when the kneecap shifts inward or outward and can tear the medial patellofemoral ligament
- ✓Bursitis, inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling, overuse, or injury
- ✓Fracture of the kneecap or other bones
- ✓Iliotibial band syndrome, an injury to the thick band that runs from the hip to the outside of the knee
- ✓Patellofemoral syndrome, pain in the front of the knee around the kneecap
- ✓Torn ligament, including ACL or MCL injuries, which may cause swelling, catching, or a knee that feels unstable or gives out
- ✓Torn cartilage or meniscus, often felt as locking or catching on the inside or outside of the knee
- ✓Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout
- ✓Baker’s cyst, a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that can occur with inflammation
How Is Knee Pain Treated?
Knee pain can limit your mobility, your confidence, and your quality of life, but you don’t have to manage it alone. We’ll start with a physical exam and ask questions to help understand exactly what’s going on with your knee. From there, your treatment may include:
- ✓Gentle exercises to reduce pain and regain range of motion
- ✓Knee and hip strengthening
- ✓Balance and proprioception training
- ✓Activity reintegration back to sport or work
- ✓Manual therapy
- ✓Dry needling with electrical stimulation
- ✓Jones strain counterstrain techniques
- ✓Taping and bracing
- ✓Education to help manage your pain
If surgery is part of your path forward, our therapists can also help you prepare beforehand and recover afterward, including guidance on using crutches and navigating stairs safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clicking or locking can be a sign of a meniscus tear or cartilage issue. A physical therapist can help identify the cause and build a treatment plan around it.
In many cases, yes. Physical therapy is often the first and most effective step for knee pain, and can sometimes reduce or eliminate the need for surgery. When surgery is necessary, therapy also plays a key role in recovery.
An unstable knee can be a sign of a ligament injury, like an ACL or MCL tear. It’s worth having evaluated so we can determine the right treatment plan for you.
Why Choose Us?
We’re committed to your recovery. Knee pain can be all-consuming, and our team stays current on the latest research and treatment approaches to help you get back to living pain free. We know you come to us with real trust, and we don’t take that lightly.
Contact Us to Get Started
If you have any questions or concerns about your knee pain or additional symptoms, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our specialists.
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