The Knee is a joint that provides you with a variety of movements, which means it’s especially susceptible to injury. When you have knee pain or swelling, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. Below are a few possible causes of pain in the knee. Click on the condition you would like to learn more about.
There are four ligaments in the knee that can be injured:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Your physical therapist will perform a series of tests to determine which of these is likely causing your pain. If you felt a pop in your knee without contact, your therapist will start with ACL testing, but if it was a contact injury they will likely start with tests for the other three ligaments depending on where contact was made.
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Your meniscus is the cartilage in your knee that prevents your femur and tibia from rubbing bone on bone. This meniscus can be torn by either impact or bearing weight through it while twisting. You could also potentially feel a pop in your knee if you tear your meniscus.
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Signs of patellar tendinitis are knee stiffness, pain with motion, or a dull ache at the top of the shin bone, or under the kneecap. Patellar tendonitis is also known as jumper’s knee and is typically a repetitive stress injury. It can progress to a patellar tendon tear if untreated.
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Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) symptoms are an aching or burning at the hip or knee that worsens with exercise. This pain is from your iliotibial band (IT band) being too tight and rubbing against your femur.
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Your patella bone is your “kneecap” and if the connective tissues holding it in place are damaged by blunt force, you can dislodge or dislocate your kneecap. Your physical therapist will be able to tell you how to put this back in place and strengthen the muscles around your knee in order to prevent another injury.
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Arthritis is common degenerative joint disease, but adding physical therapy to your routine can relieve your symptoms, build strength for fall risk prevention, and vastly improve your quality of life. Physical activity increases joint lubrication, joint nourishment, and circulation. A physical therapist can help you find the next best step to ease you into exercise.
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