What are 4 causes of knee pain?

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by various factors, such as injury, overuse, arthritis, or infection. In this blog post, we will discuss four common causes of knee pain and how physiotherapy can help you manage them.

1. Osteoarthritis:

This is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away over time. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the affected joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is more common in the knees. Physiotherapy can help you reduce the pain and improve the mobility of your knee by strengthening the muscles around the joint, applying heat or ice, and teaching you exercises and stretches that can ease the symptoms.

2. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury:

This is a tear or sprain of one of the ligaments that stabilizes the knee joint. It usually happens when you twist or change direction suddenly, such as during sports or accidents. An ACL injury can cause severe pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Physiotherapy can help you recover from an ACL injury by providing you with a customized rehabilitation program that includes exercises to restore the range of motion, strength, and stability of your knee. You may also need to wear a brace or use crutches to protect your knee while it heals.

3. Meniscus tear:

This is a tear or damage of one of the cartilage discs that act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and the shin bone in the knee joint. It usually happens when you twist or bend your knee forcefully, such as during sports or lifting heavy objects. A meniscus tear can cause pain, swelling, locking, or clicking in the knee. Physiotherapy can help you heal from a meniscus tear by reducing the inflammation and pain in your knee, improving the blood flow and healing process, and guiding you through exercises that can restore the function and flexibility of your knee.

4. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS):

This is a condition that causes pain in the front of the knee, around the kneecap. It is also known as runner's knee or jumper's knee. It usually happens when the kneecap does not move smoothly over the groove in the thigh bone, causing friction and irritation. PFPS can be caused by various factors, such as muscle imbalance, overuse, poor alignment, or trauma. Physiotherapy can help you treat PFPS by correcting the alignment and movement of your kneecap, strengthening the muscles that support your knee, applying tape or braces to stabilize your kneecap, and advising you on how to modify your activities to avoid further damage.

If you are suffering from any of these conditions or other types of knee pain, physiotherapy can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists who can assess your condition and provide you with a personalized treatment plan.