Knee pain can strike from your teenage years upwards. One of the conditions which is widely seen is ‘Chondromalacia Patella’. This is where the kneecap (patella) is rubbing against the bone behind it (the femur). It is often seen in teenage girls, and can be to do with flattening of the arches of the feet, as this can put a strain on the inside of the knee . This in turn overstretches the muscle along the outside of the thigh, the ‘IllioTibial Band’ (ITB) which tightens and pulls on the kneecap.
The good news it that Physiotherapy can help this. Loosening out the ITB has a direct influence on the position of the kneecap, and alongside specific stretches, the pain can be resolved. Often then by realigning the feet with exercises, and sometimes with orthotics (specially prescribed insoles) if necessary.
Other reasons for knee pain can be injury, especially to the ligaments. Depending on the severity of the injury, Physiotherapy can be most helpful to get back to normal again. When the inside knee ligament (the Medial Ligament) is partially torn, advice on icing, support, sufficient rest and exercise is invaluable. Electrical treatment in the clinic such as Ultrasound or Muscle Stimulation can help reduce the pain and swelling.
In sport, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) sometimes gets partially or fully torn. Accurate diagnosis is important, but often its better to wait for the swelling to reduce before having a MRI scan performed. Again, Physiotherapy can help you here, both reducing the swelling and prescribing exercises to regain as much movement as possible. If the ligament is partially torn, its important to continue with the treatment to assist in the recovery process. If its fully torn, often discussing what to do next with the Chartered Physiotherapist can help you make the right decision.
Arthritis of the knee joint is very debilitating, as its painful to walk, climb stairs, knee etc. Often by reducing the swelling and strengthening the thigh muscle (Quadriceps), the pain can reduce and your activity level can improve again.
Should you undergo a Total Knee Replacement, Physiotherapy is integral in achieving a success. Increasing the movement of the joint and strengthening the muscles lead to good strength and mobility.
