Having strong, healthy knees is vital for just about every activity of daily living including, walking, climbing stairs, driving, playing sports, and gardening. Unfortunately, knee pain is a problem that affects most of us at some point in our lives and can result from an injury or begin during our daily activities without any known cause or explanation. Pain can worsen quite rapidly, sidelining patients from activities they enjoy.
Call 03 9034 7735 now or Book Online for an assessment appointment at our clinics if you are suffering from knee pain or if your knee joint feels weak or unstable. Getting prompt help and advice from a one of the highly trained, state registered Physiotherapists on the team at Focal Allied Health will ensure the accurate diagnosis and correct treatment that is so crucial for optimal recovery.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
In younger adults, one of the most common causes of knee pain is Patellofemoral pain syndrome. This causes pain originating from the back of the kneecap. Sometimes, this type of knee pain does not resolve without correct treatment.
In older adults, one of the most common causes of knee pain is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects one in four adults and in the knee, occurs when the cartilage and bones forming the joint become damaged. Early diagnosis is very important in long-term care and management of the condition.
For all of us, injury or trauma can cause damage to the internal structures of the knee and associated muscles, tendons and ligaments. Left untreated it can affect other areas of the body affecting the ankles or causing back pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms of knee problems apart from pain and tenderness of the affected area can include:
- Sounds of cracking, popping or grinding originating within the knee itself
- Stiffness and loss of mobility in the knee joint
- Inflammation and swelling of the joint
- Muscle weakness causing feelings of instability and unsteadiness in the knee
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapists have a number of treatment techniques. These can be used either alone or in combination, for optimal healing, improvement in range of movement and mobility, and in the reduction of pain and inflammation.
During your initial assessment appointment, we will discuss a treatment programme that is specific to you, and designed to ensure the best possible outcome for your knee problem.
Treatment may include the prescription of specific exercises, designed to improve your posture and balance, as well as strength and flexibility. It may also include joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage, heat or cold treatments, knee taping and bracing, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture with nutrition recommendations for diet and supplementation if appropriate.
We can provide advice and information about managing your knee problem and, if necessary, to make any modifications necessary in order to facilitate your return to all the normal daily activities of everyday life.
At Focal Allied Health, we take a holistic approach, treating the patient as a person, not just as a collection of symptoms. The range of treatments we can offer for knee pain has been invaluable to many patients suffering from knee pain whether arising from overuse problems, arthritis, post-surgery or a sports injury or accident. Call us today on 03 9034 7735 now or Book Online, to get a diagnosis for the cause of your pain and begin an effective treatment and rehabilitation plan.