Although the knee seems like one of the simpler joints moving typically in two directions, due to the loads and forces knees often encounter they are quite complex structures. As a result of the high loads and varied forces that knees can encounter, they are susceptible to various types of injuries and impairments. The severity of knee impairment can range from a discomfort that mildly affects daily activities to intense pain that can lead to significant disability and require surgical intervention.
Knee pain is considered by the medical community to be one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. Causes of Knee Pain can often include:
Arthritis
A medical term for “Joint Swelling” also commonly referred to as Osteoarthritis. There are a variety of causes for Joint Swelling ranging from sudden forces (acute injury) to a more gradual wear as a result of improper or excessive use (chronic onset). The result of Arthritis is often painful loss of knee motion, muscle weakness, and difficulty performing normal activities of Daily Life.
Ligament Sprain or Tear
A ligament is a strong flexible fibrous tissue that holds bones together providing safety and support to the joint structure. A Sprain is an injury that occurs when the level of force applied to a ligament causes a deformation that does not recover when the force is removed or simply when the force applied stretches a ligament too far. Ligament sprain can range from minor deformities that are painful but do not disturb the ligament ability to support the joint (Grade I Sprain) all the way up to a full rupture of the ligament (Grade III Sprain) where the ruptured ligament no longer functions. Sprains therefore can range from being easily managed to requiring surgical intervention and very specialized post surgical rehabilitation protocols. Regardless of the severity, ligament rehabilitation is best treated with the expertise of a trained physiotherapist.
Tendinitis
A tendon is a structure that attaches a muscle to a bone. It allows larger muscles to reach smaller spaces giving us greater strength with a significant increase in efficiency (excellence in design). Tendinitis simply means that the tendon is inflamed, “Tendon Swelling”. This happens typically as the result of excessive force or wear.
Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid filled sac that prevents excessive friction from structures rubbing against one another. Bursa allow structures like Tendons and Muscles to slide efficiently over hard bony prominences. Bursae allow for a smoother movement of muscles and tendons with a significant increase in efficiency (excellence in design). Bursitis simply means that the Bursa is inflamed, “Bursa Swelling”. This happens typically as the result of excessive compressive force or wear.
Muscle and Tendon strain
A strain is an injury that occurs when a level of force is applied to part of the body that causes a deformation that does not recover when the force is removed. It often results when a muscle or a tendon is stretched too far. This happens typically as the result of excessive force load or when force is applied too rapidly. It is commonly called a “pulled muscle” or a “pulled tendon”.
Meniscal Injury
A Knee Meniscus is a “C-Shaped” pad of cartilage which acts as a shock absorber and functions to have the two very different shaped bones of the thigh and shin fit together snugly enough to provide good joint support but loose enough to allow the freedom of movement the knee requires. Excessive force, rotation in particular, can deform and even tear the meniscus. Smaller and more superficial tears can often be managed conservatively with an appropriate rehabilitation program while larger tears may need to be managed surgically. Regardless of the severity it is most often helpful to have your rehabilitation professionally directed.
Our physiotherapy approach at Newcastle Village Physiotherapy always involves a comprehensive physical assessment by the most experienced team of Physiotherapists in the Newcastle area. We are extremely familiar with the structures of the knee, its mobility and stability requirements and the ways the knee interacts with rest of the leg and body function as a whole.
Once assessed an individualized plan will be created just for you. Together we will work as a team to remove the source of the impairment. Proper positioning and restoring the natural balance within the knee joint is achieved with strengthening, stretching and manual therapy, mobility exercises, posture correction, balance and education. Together we will work to help you reduce your knee pain while rebuilding and restoring the function of this often-problematic area.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to book an appointment today.