Conditions that cause knee pain that requires professional treatment

Knee pain is no light matter. It can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite activities or even walk or stand. You may be familiar with occasional bouts of minor knee pain related to a long day of physical activity or hard work. But, there are other conditions that are more serious and require professional health care treatment.

Many people with chronic or sudden knee pain choose to visit physical therapists for treatment. Physical therapists can reduce knee pain using techniques that improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and soft tissue around the knee. This helps reduce pain and improve your range of motion. 

What causes knee pain that requires professional treatment?

Physical therapy treatments can address a variety of conditions affecting the knee, including:

• Arthritis — Arthritis is a chronic debilitating condition that damages the cartilage in your joints. This can affect your knees, which slowly makes it more difficult to walk and perform other activities.

• Torn ligaments — An impact, fall or twisting of the knee can result in a torn ligament. When this happens, it may be difficult to use your knee or put any weight on it. The most common form of torn ligament in the knee is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. This often requires surgery for total restoration, but physical therapists can assist in the recovery process.

• Torn meniscus — The meniscus is a type of cartilage that rests between the shin and thigh bones in your knee. A sudden twisting motion can cause part of the meniscus to tear, which can be painful and limit your range of motion.

• Tendinitis — Overuse of the knee can cause inflammation in the tendons, which is known as tendinitis. This makes it difficult to move your knee without pain, especially when moving up an incline.

• Bursitis — Overuse of the knee can also cause bursitis, which is the inflammation of your bursae. These are tiny sacs of fluid that help keep the tendons from rubbing against the bones in your knee but are unable to do so when inflamed. 

Visit Advent Physical Therapy for knee pain treatment

If you have sudden or long-lasting knee pain, you may need to visit a physical therapist for help. Our team at Advent Physical Therapy can treat a variety of conditions that cause knee pain. We can develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs as an individual and can help you reach your recovery goals. Contact our team today for more information about knee pain treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.