What are the symptoms of knee pain?
The nature of knee pain varies from person to person and can be different depending on the condition causing it, but some of the symptoms of knee pain include:
- Sharp, shooting pain when you’re using your knee
- Redness and warmth
- Constant ache in and around your knee
- Crunching or popping noises
- Dull, burning discomfort
Your knee might also be weakened, and you might notice a diminished range of motion in addition to persistent pain.
What can lead to knee pain?
Knee pain usually begins with an injury. Your knee has a variety of tissues, like ligaments, tendons, and bursae. Knee pain can result from damage to any of these tissues. Some examples of knee injuries include:
- Tear in your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Fracture in your knee bones or kneecap
- Torn meniscus
- Knee bursitis, or inflammation in the bursae in your knee
- Patellar tendinitis, or inflammation in your tendons
There are also a few different mechanical issues that can cause knee pain, like:
- Loose body, where a piece of bone or cartilage breaks off and floats in your joint
- Dislocation of your kneecap
- Iliotibial band syndrome
Additionally, arthritis is a common cause of knee pain. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but some of the varieties that frequently lead to knee pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Pseudogout
- Septic arthritis
Lastly, if you have chronic pain in your knee or foot, you might start changing the way you walk in order to mitigate the pain. That change in gait can put more stress on your knee joint and cause chronic pain.
When does my knee pain require professional care?
Your knee might need medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Can see a deformity in your knee or leg
- Can’t fully extend or flex your knee
- Can’t put weight on your knee
- Feel like your knee might give out
- Have severe swelling in your knee
If you need help rehabilitating your knee after surgery or an injury, the team at Rainier Family Physical Therapy, PS can help.
What knee pain treatments do you offer?
Rainier Family Physical Therapy, PS specializes in a type of manual manipulation technique called Counterstrain. Many times, issues with your musculoskeletal system are caused by tissues that are stuck in an overprotective state of spasm. Your muscles tighten to protect your body from a perceived threat, like an injury or an infection, but can sometimes remain in that position chronically. These stuck tissues are known as tender points.
Using Counterstrain techniques, your physical therapist uses their hands to gently release and decompress the particular tender points that are causing you pain. After your therapist has successfully relaxed your tender point tissues, you’ll notice significant relief and improved functioning in the area.
Schedule your appointment with Rainier Family Physical Therapy, PS by calling the office or booking online and find relief from your knee pain today.
