Knee pain is a common complaint and often seems to come out of nowhere. Regardless of whether you have a phantom pain or you know how you injured the joint and why it hurts, the effects can make it difficult to walk or engage in normal activity. Physical therapy can be an effective way to relieve the pain and restore full function, but the first step is to determine the location and type of pain.

What Are the Causes of Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be either acute, sub-acute, or chronic. The determination is based on the duration of the pain. Acute pain lasts a week or less and is typically the most severe. Sub-acute pain is slightly less intense but lasts up to six weeks. Pain is considered chronic when it persists for longer than six weeks. The latter category should always be evaluated by a health care provider. 

Where the pain occurs in your knee is a reliable indicator of the type of injury you have and can help guide treatment. Pain in the front of the knee, for example, is usually related to the kneecap. It’s usually a sign of patellofemoral stress syndrome (PFSS), which means that the tendon between the kneecap and shin is irritated and may reduce proper movement.

Pain on the inside or outside of the knee is often due to an athletic injury. Pain around the outside may be caused by damage to the ligaments or tendons, whereas pain on the inside can be brought on by an injury to the meniscus, or shock absorbers, in the knee. Inner knee pain can also be caused by arthritis. Posterior knee pain is rare but is often caused by a hamstring injury or swelling of the joint. 

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

If you have ongoing knee pain, you may be referred to physical therapy to help find relief and regain strength and range of motion in the joint. Physical therapists will first evaluate your knee and the effect that it has on your balance, how you walk, and capabilities. The therapist will also attempt to determine which knee structures are causing the pain. 

Physical therapy treatment varies by patient, but the foundation is exercise designed to strengthen the joint and improve mobility. Leg muscles around the knee may also be strengthened to aid support. Other treatments may include massage, heat and ice, taping, and electric stimulation, all designed to strengthen the knee and reduce pain. 

If knee pain has you sidelined, contact O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates in St. Charles County, MO, for help. They’ll uncover the source of your pain and develop a personalized pain management plan that incorporates multiple treatments, including physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, and medication to provide relief. Call (636) 978-3000 to book an appointment or visit their website for more information on their services.