Do you suffer from knee pain that affects your daily activities? You are not alone. Knee pain is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. In this knee pain blog, we will explore the different causes of knee pain and provide tips on how to manage and alleviate your discomfort.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, the management of symptoms is essential to improve quality of life. One highly effective approach is knee pain physiotherapy, which focuses on building strength, improving flexibility, and reducing pain. Strengthening exercises are a fundamental component of knee pain physiotherapy. By targeting the muscles surrounding the knee joint, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, strength can be improved to provide greater stability and support.
Too often, people mistakenly look at muscular strength first as the solution to solving pain, when they should be looking a bit deeper. Regarding knees, you need a bit of what we call “hyper-extension”. But most practitioners tend to focus only on how well a knee is bending. You need a certain amount of “more than straight” – otherwise known as hyperextension.
Visit a healthcare provider if you’re feeling pain that’s bad enough to affect your daily routine or that’s making it hard to move. See a provider if you experience knee pain that lasts more than a few days without getting better. The knee is the biggest joint in your body, and it absorbs and supports a lot of your weight as you move. That’s why it’s one of the most commonly injured joints. Knee pain can be a temporary, short-term problem, but it can also be a chronic (long-term) issue that needs diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider.
If you have a job, it’s important to continue working if you can. Speak to your employer about any practical help they can offer. This might include home working, different hours, adjustments to your workplace or something else. You might also have the option of paying to see a physiotherapist privately. You might wish to see your GP if the pain is very bad or is not settling. Other types of anti-inflammatory painkillers do need a prescription.
For knee osteoarthritis, doctors often recommend special insoles that you put in your shoe. To find the appropriate insole, speak with your doctor or a physical therapist. And the improvement continued for at least six months after the program ended.
Also avoid doing exercises such as lunges and deep squats that put a lot of stress on your knees. These can worsen pain and, if not done correctly, cause injury. If your pain isn’t significant, you can try to diagnose and treat it at home by paying attention to the specific symptoms you have. However, if home treatments don’t seem to work, make sure to consult with a medical professional. Wear and tear from daily activities and injuries are some of the most common causes of knee pain, but long-term knee pain can indicate an underlying health issue.
The Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can be a result of a wide range of issues, such as arthritis, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, or tendonitis. It can also be aggravated by obesity, improper footwear, or poor posture. Identifying the root cause of your knee pain is essential in determining the most effective treatment plan.
Managing Knee Pain
There are various ways to manage knee pain, depending on the underlying cause. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is a common treatment for acute knee injuries. Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues or relieve pressure on the knee joint.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent or severe knee pain. They can perform a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.
