KNEE
Knee pain is the third most common condition in a physical therapy clinic. Social media and news outlets have made ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears the protagonist, but frankly, this condition is less common outside the realm of competitive sports. There are between 100,000 and 200,000 ACL tears per year in the United States. Still, these injuries represent only a tiny fraction of those seeking the care of a physical therapist. Arthritis of the knee is one of the most common conditions treated, including patients undergoing a total knee replacement due to painful arthritis. Another catch-all term for knee pain is ‘anterior knee pain.’ It can include patellofemoral (i.e., kneecap) pain or tendinitis (i.e., jumper’s knee).
Injures We Treat the Most
Osteoarthritis
This is a common form of arthritis that affects the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
This condition involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia), often seen in athletes who engage in jumping sports.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage in the knee that can tear due to sudden twisting or impact, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes locking of the knee.
Ligament Injuries
These can include injuries to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), MCL (medial collateral ligament), or LCL (lateral collateral ligament), often occurring during sports or accidents.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
This condition involves pain around or under the kneecap, commonly seen in runners and cyclists.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa sacs located near the knee joint, causing pain and swelling.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
This is an overuse injury resulting in pain on the outside of the knee, often seen in runners and cyclists
Get Relief Now
If you or a family member are dealing with any of the above and the symptoms have not improved in more than three weeks, chances are you would greatly benefit from at least one formal visit with a licensed physical therapist. While most aches and pains do improve on their own, persistent issues often require formal evaluation from a musculoskeletal expert.