What is knee pain?
Knee pain is any discomfort you may have in the region of the large joint of one or both of your legs. The cause of your knee pain may be readily apparent, such as with an injury, or may be unexplained when the pain comes on suddenly without trauma.
The pain may be diffuse, throughout the whole joint, or may be isolated in any number of areas. It may be located near the:
- Kneecap
- Back of the knee
- Side of the knee
- Inside the joint
The location of your pain can help determine the cause. Potential causes for knee pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Ligament rupture
- Trauma
- Cartilage tear
- Gout
- Infection
- Cysts
- Bone fracture
A thorough exam and diagnostic studies will be required to determine the exact cause and extent of damage to your knee joint.
What are the symptoms of knee pain?
Symptoms of your knee injury or damage to your knee joint, ligaments, or tissues will need to be evaluated by your orthopedic specialist to determine the best plan of care. Symptoms of knee injury or damage may include:
- Swelling of the joint
- Limited mobility
- Heat or redness of joint
- Inability to bend or flex
- Inability to climb stairs
- Altered gait, or limp with walking
- Pain when bearing weight or at rest
If your knee pain includes any of these symptoms, it’s important that the cause is treated to avoid further injury and prevent loss of mobility.
How can physical therapy help my knee pain?
The physical therapists at Empire PT can help your knee pain by creating a specialized plan of care unique to the cause of your pain, as well as your normal activity level. Your treatment plan may include:
- Heat/ice therapy
- Electrophysiological stimulation
- Manual therapy
- At-home exercises
- Stretch therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Activity-specific therapy
The physical therapists at Empire PT are diligent and work with you to restore your mobility, relieve your pain and to help you prevent future injury to your knee. Your mobility is important to your overall health, and they make sure that knee pain does not hinder your ability to move and participate in sports or other activities.
For your own specialized treatment plan that addresses your knee pain, call Empire Physical Therapy & Athletic Rehabilitation, PC in Manhattan or book your appointment online today.
