What are the causes of knee pain?
Your knee is a hinge joint that can only move forward and backward. You should be able to stand, walk, run, and dance with ease if your knees are in proper alignment. If you have knee pain, you will not be able to move as freely as you would like.
Although it might seem counterintuitive, there are times when knee pain is the symptom, not the source of your problem. The knee can alert you to a problem in the foot or hip region by sending pain messages to your brain. There are, of course, times when the knee pain you feel is due to an actual issue/injury in the knee itself.
Fortunately, at PhysioPlus Health Group in Toronto, our physiotherapists are experts at getting to the root of your problems and identifying all the factors that may be associated with your specific condition.
So if you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, let our team conduct an assessment, identify the root cause of your knee pain, and help you get relief once and for all!
Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common include:
Arthritis
The most common type of arthritis for knee pain is osteoarthritis (OA). This condition occurs when the cartilage surrounding your joints deteriorates, and the joint no longer has a sufficient cushion between the bone. This leads to joint inflammation, with varying levels of pain and dysfunction.
Cartilage Injuries
There are two common cartilage injuries:
- Meniscus injury: The meniscus serves as a shock absorber and helps maintain stability in the knee. A meniscus tear can be caused by contact or non-contact activity when the knee twists suddenly. Some tears are the result of wear and tear.
- Articular cartilage injury: The articular cartilage is a smooth covering on the bones that allows for frictionless sliding of one bone on another. Articular cartilage is injured by direct trauma or wear and tear.
If you twist your knee quickly while bearing weight on it or sustain some other type of trauma, the cartilage may be injured. It is also possible for prolonged inactivity or repetitive movements to cause fraying and eventually tearing of the cartilage.
Ligament Injuries
Our bones are connected by ligaments. The ligaments in your knee act like leather straps to hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. Ligaments are often stretched and/or torn during a sudden motion.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): It is located in the center of the knee and controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): It is located in the back of the knee and controls the backward movement of the shin bone.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL): The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of your knee and provides stability to sideway motions.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): The lateral collateral ligament is on the outside of your knee and provides stability to the sideways motions.
Tendinitis
Your tendons are thick connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. Tendinitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed due to repetitive movements. It is common in jumping and landing motions and sports like skiing, cycling, or hurdling.
The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the shinbone, allowing you to kick, run, and jump. Patellar tendinitis is common in runners, skiers, cyclists, and those who engage in jumping sports and activities.
Knee tendinitis can make it hard to walk, rise from a chair, climb stairs, or play sports. Our physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and treat knee pain and help ease your pain and get you back to doing what you love!
Knee bursitis
Bursae are closed, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and help create a smooth gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. These sacs of fluid protect tendons from the bone.
An injury or overuse can cause inflammation in the bursae (aka Bursitis) which prevents tendons from smoothly gliding over the joint and can be painful or even debilitating.
Fractures
If you are in a car accident or a fall, the bones of the knee, particularly the kneecap (patella), can be damaged. A knee fracture can occur simply by taking the wrong step and landing awkwardly or directly on the kneecap.
A thorough evaluation by a registered chiropractor or physiotherapist at our Toronto physiotherapy clinic is the best way to determine the actual cause of your knee pain and help you find solutions that work!
No matter what the cause of your knee pain may be, the physiotherapists at PhysioPlus Health Group are here to help you find the relief you deserve.
CAN EXERCISE HELP WITH KNEE PAIN?
Yes, exercise can help with knee pain. When you do the right exercises, they can make your knee stronger and more flexible, which can reduce pain. Specific strengthening exercises for the muscles around your knee as well as hip and core can help to reduce ongoing strain on your knee that is contributing to your pain. More general types of activity like swimming, biking, and walking are good choices because they get you moving without putting too much stress on your knees.
But before you start any exercises, it’s important to talk to a doctor or one of our physiotherapists here at PhysioPlus. They can tell you which exercises are best for your knee and show you how to do them safely. This way, you can get the most benefit from exercise and start feeling better.
WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR KNEE PAIN?
The best treatment for knee pain depends on what’s causing it. If it’s due to a minor injury or strain, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers can often help. Gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee can be beneficial too.
However, for more serious issues or chronic pain, it’s crucial to see a doctor or physiotherapist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most suitable treatment, which might include physiotherapy, prescription medications, or even surgery in severe cases.
Physiotherapy treatment for knee pain can include modalities such as laser and acupuncture initially to help reduce inflammation and pain. As your pain decreases a physiotherapist will show you some exercises to help you regain full motion and strength in your knee. The key is to get professional guidance to ensure you receive the best treatment for your specific knee pain.
HOW TO PREVENT KNEE PAIN?
In many cases, prevention is important. Taking care of your knees by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and using proper techniques when exercising or lifting can help prevent knee pain. Using knee supports or braces, as recommended by a healthcare professional, can provide added support.
Remember that what works best for one person may not be the same for another, so seeking medical advice is essential for determining the most effective treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP WITH KNEE PAIN?
Physiotherapy can be very helpful for knee pain. A physiotherapist is a specialist who can assess your knee and create a personalized plan to make it feel better. They might use exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee, which can provide more support and reduce pain. They can also use hands-on techniques like massage or stretching to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Seeing a physiotherapist is a smart way to get professional guidance and support in managing and relieving your knee pain.
Physiotherapy is especially effective when you work closely with the therapist. They’ll teach you exercises and techniques you can do at home to maintain your knee health. Over time, this can lead to less pain and better mobility. If you have knee pain, consider reaching out to a physiotherapist to see how they can help you feel better and regain control over your knee health.
CAN BRACING HELP RELIEVE KNEE PAIN?
Yes, knee bracing can help relieve knee pain for some people. Knee braces provide support to the knee joint, which can be particularly helpful if you have a knee injury or instability. They can help reduce strain on the knee, improve stability, and provide a sense of security when moving.
Some braces are designed for specific conditions, such as arthritis or ligament injuries, and can effectively reduce pain and discomfort. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or orthopedic specialist to determine the right type of brace for your condition, as not all knee pain requires bracing.
Physiotherapy for knee pain relief in Toronto
Some people are worried that physiotherapy will aggravate their knees because they have been told their only option is surgery. This is simply not the case for the vast majority of people. In fact, physiotherapy treatment has shown to be as effective or more effective than surgery for several disorders of the knee. You have so much to gain from physiotherapy; rest assured, there is nothing to be scared of!
During your first appointment, one of our PhysioPlus physiotherapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the whole body. Your therapist will examine your knees for signs and symptoms of serious conditions that require further evaluation, testing of specific medical treatments (i.e., medication, injections, or surgery)
Our evaluations will address the joints above and below the knee and any other factors affecting your mobility, gait, and overall functional ability. In order to return to your regular activities with more joint range of motion, soft tissue flexibility, and less discomfort, you and the physiotherapist will address how your body works together for normal joint function.
Your therapist will give you exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the knee to help reduce pain, stabilize, and improve the overall functioning of your knees. Your physiotherapist may use manual therapy and modality treatments to manage discomfort and speed up the recovery of injured tissues. Before you know it, your knee pain will be a thing of the past. Physiotherapy treatments at PhysioPlus Health Group can help you get back to doing what you love without medication, invasive injections, or painful surgery!
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Now is the time to take charge of your knee pain and prevent it from interfering with your life any longer. You should get started on the road to long-term pain relief right away!
Request an appointment with one of our dedicated physiotherapists at PhysioPlus Health Group in Toronto today!
