Physical Therapy Can Help You Say Goodbye to Chronic Knee Pain!
Have you noticed that going up and down stairs is becoming increasingly difficult? Do you look for a parking spot near the store entrance because you’re worried about your knees? If you’re tired of having “bad knees,” it’s time to let the therapists at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy in Warminster or New Britain, PA get to the bottom of your pain and help you find knee pain relief.
Why am I experiencing knee pain?
Knee pain can be caused by a number of factors, the most common of which are:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that causes knee pain. When the cartilage that surrounds your joints deteriorates, the joint no longer has enough cushion between the bones. This causes joint inflammation, which causes varying degrees of pain and dysfunction.
Cartilage Injuries
There are two common types of cartilage injuries:
Meniscus tear: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and aids in knee stability. When the knee twists suddenly, either contact or non-contact activity can cause a meniscus tear. Normal wear and tear can also cause this injury.
Articular cartilage damage: The articular cartilage is a smooth covering on the bones that allows for frictionless sliding from one bone to the next. Direct trauma or wear and tear both cause damage to articular cartilage.
The cartilage in your knee may be damaged if you twist it quickly while bearing weight on it or if you sustain another type of trauma. Prolonged inactivity or repetitive movements can also cause fraying and, eventually, tearing of the cartilage.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments join our bones together. The ligaments in your knee function similarly to leather straps; they hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. Ligaments can be stretched or torn during sudden movements.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): It is located in the center of the knee and controls the rotation and forward movement of the shin bone.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): It is located in the back of the knee and controls the backward movement of the shin bone.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL): The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of your knee and provides stability to sideway motions.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): The lateral collateral ligament is on the outside of your knee and provides stability to sideways motions.
Tendinitis or Tendinopathy
Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis occurs when a tendon acutely becomes inflamed as a result of repeated movements. It is common in jumping and landing motions, as well as sports such as skiing, cycling, and hurdling.
The patellar tendon is the tendon that connects the patella (kneecap) to the shinbone, allowing you to kick, run, and jump. Patellar tendinitis or tendinopathy is common in runners, skiers, cyclists, and people participating in jumping sports.
Knee tendinitis can make it difficult to walk, get out of a chair, climb stairs, or participate in sports. Our physical therapists can diagnose and treat knee pain, allowing you to get back to doing what you enjoy.
Knee bursitis
Bursae are closed, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and aid in the creation of a smooth, gliding surface to reduce friction between body tissues. These fluid sacs protect the tendons from the bone.
An injury or overuse can cause bursitis (inflammation of the bursae), which prevents tendons from gliding smoothly over the joint and can be painful or even debilitating.
Fractures
In a car accident, the knee bones, particularly the kneecap (patella), can be damaged. Simply taking the wrong step and landing awkwardly or directly on the knee cap can result in a knee fracture.
Find knee pain relief through physical therapy
Have you been told that surgery is your only option for knee pain relief? For the vast majority of people, this is simply not the case. Researchers have shown that physical therapy is as effective as or more effective than surgery for various knee disorders.
Request an appointment at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy in one of our locations in Warminster or New Britain, PA.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Enjoy Life Pain-Free!