Knee pain can have many causes and is a very common complaint among adults. Knee pain can result from daily activities that cause ‘wear and tear’, such as walking, bending, lifting, or standing. Athletes who play sports or run are also likely to experience knee pain and problems, and with help from the Guelph Physiotherapy practitioners at the Health and Performance Centre, you can achieve your recovery goals.
Common Knee Problems:
Understanding common knee problems can help you identify potential issues and seek appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Here are some knee problems that individuals often encounter:
- Meniscus/Cartilage Tears: These tears occur due to twisting the knee with the foot planted, squatting, or kneeling. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a tear. READ MORE [1]
- Sprains or Strained Ligaments and/or Muscles: Overstretching or sudden movements can cause ligament or muscle sprains. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help alleviate symptoms.
- Arthritis: Knee arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
- Osteoarthritis: This progressive condition involves the loss of articular cartilage, resulting in bone-on-bone contact. Seeking medical advice can help manage symptoms and slow down progression.her.
- Tendonitis and Tendinopathy: Inflammation of tendons around the knee can cause pain and discomfort. Rest, physiotherapy, and proper rehabilitation can aid in recovery.
- Pes Anserinus Tendinopathy: Pes Anserinus Tendinopathy: This condition involves inflammation of the bursa associated with the pes anserinus. Seek professional help for appropriate management. READ MORE [2]
- Knee replacements: Severe knee damage may require surgical intervention, such as knee replacements. Consult an orthopedic specialist to explore treatment options.
- Shin splints: Though commonly associated with running, shin splints can also result from excessive stress on the knee. Rest, ice, and physiotherapy are often recommended.
- Dislocations: Knee dislocations occur when the bones in the joint are forced out of their normal position. Seek immediate medical assistance in such cases.
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Involves inflammation just below the knee where a bony structure called the tibial tubercle covers the growth plate in the shinbone (the tibia). It is usually caused by rapid growth spurts when muscles, bones and tendons are changing quickly.
Knee Pain Treatments:
When experiencing knee pain or discomfort, seeking professional treatment is crucial. At the Health and Performance Centre, we offer a range of treatments tailored to each individual's needs:
- Exercise and Strengthening: Targeted exercises and strengthening programs can improve knee stability and function.
- Physiotherapy: Skilled physiotherapists can assess and treat knee pain using a variety of techniques, including manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation.
- Combination of Physical Therapy Tools: Advanced physical therapy tools, such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy, may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Medication: In certain cases, medications such as pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to manage knee pain and reduce inflammation.
Knee Pain and Injury Resources:
Here are some details on how they work and tips on how to strengthen your knees and the surrounding muscles provided by the physiotherapy team here at the Health and Performance Centre (HPC).
If you are experiencing knee pain, call us at HPC 519-767-5011 to arrange an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
