Common types of knee pain treatable by physical therapy

types of knee pain

Your knees are complex joints that bear the important responsibility of supporting your body weight and helping you run, walk, jump, crouch and stand up. It can be difficult for you to use your knee for any of these tasks when one of the ligaments, tendons, bones or cartilage in the knee are damaged.

It’s important to pay attention to the symptoms of your knee pain to know when you should seek healthcare assistance. For example, if your knees are sore after a long day of hiking, you probably don’t need professional treatment. However, if your knee is in severe pain or cannot extend or bend fully after a traumatic incident, you should visit a healthcare professional for treatment.

Five types of knee pain commonly treated by physical therapists

  1. ACL injuries — The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects your shinbone to your thigh bone and is responsible for keeping your knee from twisting. A sudden twisting motion to the leg can force this ligament to stretch and tear, which may require physical therapy and, in extreme cases, surgery for treatment. 
  2. Torn meniscus — Your meniscus is the cartilage that cushions the joint between your shinbone and thigh bone. Like an ACL injury, this can also be injured from a twisting motion to your leg. 
  3. Fractures — Your knee bones, especially the kneecap, are at risk for fracture if subjected to a severe impact, such as a football tackle or a motor vehicle accident. Many fractures can benefit from physical therapy, but severe fractures may need surgery. 
  4. Tendinitis — Tendinitis is the irritation and inflammation of one of the tendons connecting your joints. Tendinitis can affect your knee from repetitive use and physically stressful activities like running, jumping and lifting heavy objects. 
  5. Bursitis — The bursae, which are tiny sacs of fluid that help cushion the bones in your joints, can become inflamed from an injury or a condition related to aging. Bursitis is painful and can cause swelling and loss of mobility.

Contact Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation for knee pain treatment

The physical therapists at Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation are trained and skilled in treating all kinds of knee injuries and conditions. If you’re suffering from knee pain and would like help reducing the pain and restoring the ability to use your knee, contact us today to find out what we can do for you.