Knee Pain is one of the most common conditions which affects all age groups. It is also the second most common cause for chronic pain. Knee pain may be caused by an injury, mechanical problems or may be from medical conditions like osteoarthrosis, inflammatory disease such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. A knee injury can affect any of the ligaments, tendons or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround your knee joint as well as the bones, cartilage and ligaments that form the joint itself. Injuries include ligament injuries, fractures, meniscal Injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, IT band syndrome. You could also have knee pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudo-gout or even septic arthritis.
Diagnosis
During the assessment, the clinician will be looking for swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth and visible bruising. They will also be assessing your range of motion and strength. Clinician also will try some movements and tests to check for the integrity of the soft tissue structures including all of the ligaments and the meniscus.
How can Physical Therapy help you?
After a thorough assessment of your knee, the therapist will determine a plan of care, including manual therapy, stretches, strengthening, balance and proprioception exercises, and modalities based on your needs and your goals.