Knee Pain

Knee injuries are a prevalent and significant health concern in the United States. Here’s an overview of the incidence, cost, and seriousness of knee injuries in the US:

Incidence

  1. Common Injury: Knee injuries are among the most frequent orthopedic issues in the US. They affect individuals of all ages, from athletes to the elderly.
  2. Sports-Related: High-impact and recreational sports often contribute to knee injuries. Conditions like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscus injuries are prevalent among athletes.
  3. Workplace Injuries: Some occupations, particularly those involving heavy lifting or repetitive motions, can also lead to knee injuries.
  4. Aging Population: As the population ages, the incidence of degenerative knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis, is increasing.

Cost

  1. Medical Expenses: Knee injuries result in substantial healthcare costs. This includes doctor visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
  2. Lost Productivity: Knee injuries can lead to temporary or permanent disability, resulting in lost workdays, decreased productivity, and long-term financial consequences.
  3. Socioeconomic Impact: Knee injuries can have a substantial socioeconomic impact due to the burden on healthcare systems and the potential for reduced quality of life and work-related issues.

Seriousness

  1. Chronic Pain: Knee injuries can cause chronic pain, limiting mobility and diminishing the overall quality of life. Conditions like osteoarthritis can lead to persistent discomfort.
  2. Reduced Functionality: Knee injuries often result in reduced range of motion, making it challenging to perform everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods.
  3. Recurrent Injuries: Some knee injuries are associated with a higher risk of reinjury or complications, which can extend the seriousness of the condition.
  4. Surgical Interventions: Severe knee injuries may necessitate surgical interventions, which come with risks and prolonged recovery periods.

In summary, knee injuries are common, costly, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Preventive measures, early intervention, and effective rehabilitation are essential to manage the incidence, cost, and seriousness of knee injuries in the US.

Healing knee pain is important for all age groups.

In some cases, certain medical conditions may cause knee pain as well.

Although several kinds of this pain respond well to self-care, knee pain therapy, or even knee braces, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to address the issue.

Causes of Knee Pain

The following are the most common causes of knee pain. They can be classified into injuries, mechanical problems, arthritis, and other issues:

Types of Knee Injuries

Bursitis
Bursae are the fluid-filled sacs located near muscles, joints, and bones that facilitate movement by reducing the friction. In the knee, the bursae is located above the joint, just under the skin. Pain, swelling, and inflammation can occur when there is repeated bending or a fall. This condition is called prepatellar bursitis or the preacher’s /Housemaid’s knee.

Fractures
Accidents or falls can cause the bones in the knee, including the kneecap, to break. In some cases, weakened bones because of conditions like osteoporosis can cause fractures in the knee even with just a misstep.

Patellar Tendonitis
Tendons are the thick and fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is the inflammation of these tissues. This happens when the patellar tendon, the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone, is injured. This condition is more common with athletes who run, kick, or jump.

ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of four ligaments that connect the thigh bone to the shinbone. A tear in this ligament can cause pain in the knee region. This condition is particularly common in athletes who play sports that require them to immediately change directions.

Torn Meniscus
The rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thigh bone is called the meniscus. A tear in this tough tissue can cause pain in the knee. This can happen when a sudden twist occurs in the knee region while it is bearing weight.

Patella femoral tracking dysfunction
Patellofemoral tracking dysfunction, often known as “runner’s knee” or “knee cap problems,” is a common issue that affects the knee joint. In simple terms, it occurs when the patella (knee cap) doesn’t move smoothly within its groove on the thigh bone (femur). This can lead to discomfort and various symptoms, such as:

  • Pain in the Front of the Knee: You might feel pain around or under the kneecap, especially when bending your knee, climbing stairs, or after prolonged activity.
  • Cracking or Popping Sensation: Some people experience unusual sounds when moving their knee.
  • Swelling: The knee might swell, especially after physical activity.
  • Instability: You might sense a feeling of the knee giving way or being unstable during movement.

Patellofemoral tracking dysfunction can be caused by factors like muscle imbalances, overuse, improper alignment, or even structural issues. It’s important to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Treatment may include exercises, physical therapy, and, in some cases, lifestyle adjustments to help your knee function better and relieve discomfort.

Types of Mechanical Problems

Dislocated kneecap
Also called patellar dislocation, this happens when the kneecap or the small triangular bone in the middle of the knee joint slides out of place. The patella is usually displaced to the outside of the knee. In some cases, the dislocation may be readily visible. This can cause pain and swelling.

Foot or Hip Pain
Pain elsewhere in the body, including pain in the hip or foot areas, can force an individual to alter the way they walk. This can eventually lead to knee pain because of excessive unnecessary stress on the knee joint.

Loose Body
When there is injury or degeneration of bone or cartilage, loose pieces may interfere with the movement in the knee joint causing pain or discomfort.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The Iliotibial band is the tough band of tissues extending from outside the knee to outside the hip. In some cases, this band becomes tight enough that it begins to rub against the outer part of the thigh bone. This is more common in cyclists and distance runners.

Types of Arthritis

Here are the types of arthritis that usually cause knee pain:

Osteoarthritis – This is the most common type of arthritis. Age and use can cause the deterioration of the cartilage in the knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis – This autoimmune condition causes knee pain when the immune system of the body attacks the knee joints.

Septic arthritis – Infection in the knee joint can lead to septic arthritis. It is usually accompanied by fever. This can cause pain, swelling, redness, and severe damage to the cartilage in the knee.

Gout – This happens when uric acid levels cause crystals to develop in the knee joint.

Pseudo gout – Similar to gout, crystals that have calcium develop in the joint fluid. This often affects the knee joint.

Diagnosing Knee joint ligament or cartilage tears

MRI is one of the most effective diagnostic procedures for knee pain. Doctors use this over the x-ray because it gives a clear picture of the bones, the cartilage, the tendons, the muscles, the ligaments, and even some of the blood vessels in the knee. An MRI scan can readily identify if there is damaged cartilage, infections, bone fractures, torn tendons, torn ligaments, and even tumors. It can also determine if surgery is needed.

Get more info on how knee pain can be treated by Clicking Here.

Knee examination

Overview of How Proper Knee Examination Can Diagnose Most Issues

A thorough knee examination is a critical step in diagnosing a wide range of knee issues, from injuries to underlying medical conditions. Here’s an overview of how a proper knee examination can lead to accurate diagnoses:

  1. Patient History: The examination often begins with a discussion of the patient’s medical history. Understanding previous injuries, chronic conditions, and any specific activities or events leading to knee problems helps in narrowing down potential causes.
  2. Visual Inspection: A healthcare provider will visually assess the knee, looking for signs of swelling, deformities, redness, or scars that may provide initial clues about the issue.
  3. Range of Motion: The range of motion of the knee joint is evaluated. Limited mobility, pain during certain movements, or unusual joint angles can indicate various conditions.
  4. Palpation: The examiner uses their hands to feel the knee, identifying areas of tenderness, warmth, or irregularities. This helps in locating the source of pain or discomfort.
  5. Specific Tests: Various clinical tests are performed to pinpoint the problem. These may include:
    • Lachman’s test, McMurray’s test, or Apley’s compression test to assess ligament and meniscus injuries.
    • Patellar apprehension test to check for patellar instability.
    • Valgus and varus stress tests to assess collateral ligament stability.
  6. Filming and analyzing lower chain biomechanics with specific tasks or movement patterns
  7. Functional Assessment: Observing the patient’s gait, posture, and movement patterns can help identify issues related to biomechanics and muscle imbalances.

By following this comprehensive examination process, physical can diagnose a wide range of knee issues, including ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage problems, arthritis, and more. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and improving the patient’s knee health and function.

Treating Knee Pain

Pain in the knee is medically treated using the following methods:

Medication – Doctors may prescribe medication to relieve pain and treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Injection – Doctors sometimes recommend injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma to address arthritis, lubricate joints, or promote healing, respectively.

Bracing – Bracing is a common method used to treat knee pain and various knee-related conditions. Here’s an overview of how bracing can be beneficial:

  1. Pain Reduction: Knee braces can provide support and compression to the knee joint, which helps reduce pain by stabilizing the area. This can be especially useful for individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis or mild ligament injuries.
  2. Support and Stability: Braces are designed to offer additional support to the knee, helping to maintain proper alignment and stability. This is particularly important for people with ligament injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, where bracing can protect the joint from further damage.
  3. Preventive Measures: In sports or activities that put a lot of strain on the knees, such as running or certain contact sports, braces can be used preventively to reduce the risk of injury. For example, athletes might wear knee braces to protect against ligament strains.
  4. Post-Surgery Recovery: Knee braces are often used in post-surgical rehabilitation. They provide stability and support during the healing process and can help patients regain mobility and strength more quickly.
  5. Pain Relief for Specific Conditions: Some knee braces are designed to address specific conditions, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar tracking issues, by providing targeted support to the affected area.

It’s important to note that while knee braces can be effective in managing knee pain and providing support, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Knee braces are typically used as part of a broader treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, exercise, and medications, depending on the underlying cause of the knee pain.

Surgery – Injuries and other conditions may require knee surgery which includes the following options:

  • Arthroscopic surgery
  • Partial knee replacement
  • Total knee replacement
  • Osteotomy

We’ve got in-person, educational Workshops on a monthly basis that cover a variety of physical problems (including knee pain) and how to heal. Find out more or register by Clicking Here.

Although these traditional treatment options may alleviate knee pain in the short-term, they may not be able to address the underlying cause. This can result in recurring pain in the knee. Additionally, these methods reportedly only work 45% of the time.

For lasting knee pain relief, we recommend one or more of the following treatment options.

Heat and Cold Therapy

These treatments may be used by themselves or together. They alter blood flow and effectively relieve pain. Cold treatment also reduces swelling, while heat treatment relaxes muscles and promotes the healing of damaged tissues.

Blood flow restriction, technology

Blood flow restriction (BFR), also known as occlusion training or vascular occlusion, is a rehabilitation technique that involves using specialized cuffs or wraps to partially restrict blood flow to a specific area of the body, typically an injured limb. Here’s a brief overview of the use of blood flow restriction for injuries:

BFR is increasingly used in the rehabilitation of knee injuries, particularly those involving muscles and joints. It can aid in the recovery process after injuries such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, and even post-surgical rehabilitation.

  • Muscle Strengthening: BFR involves exercising with reduced blood flow to the muscles, which creates a unique physiological response. This technique allows individuals to achieve muscle strength and hypertrophy with lighter loads, reducing stress on injured tissues while still promoting muscle growth.
  • Improved Healing: BFR is thought to stimulate the release of growth factors and hormones that can enhance tissue healing and repair, making it a potentially valuable tool in the rehabilitation of related limitations in their rehabilitation.

Functional rehabilitation processes

Applied Functional Science (AFS) is an approach to lower extremity rehabilitation that takes a holistic and personalized perspective, addressing not just the injured area but the entire body’s movement patterns and functional needs. In AFS, the lower extremity problem is seen as a result of interconnected factors, including joint mobility, muscle imbalances, and movement dysfunctions. The rehabilitation process begins with a thorough assessment to identify the root causes of the issue, focusing on how the body moves in its daily activities. Based on this assessment, a customized treatment plan is developed, incorporating exercises and interventions to improve biomechanics, mobility, strength, and overall function. AFS aims to restore not only the specific injured area but also the body’s natural movement patterns, promoting long-term recovery and preventing future problems by addressing the body as a whole. This approach empowers individuals to regain their optimal movement capabilities and improve their quality of life, making it an effective and comprehensive method for lower extremity rehabilitation.

Taping

McConnell taping, also known as patellar taping, is a technique used to address knee pain and instability, particularly related to conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar malalignment. It involves the application of specialized tape to reposition the patella (kneecap) and modify its tracking within the femoral groove, aiming to alleviate pain and improve joint stability. The tape is strategically placed to influence the direction in which the patella moves during knee flexion and extension. This technique helps distribute forces more evenly, reduce pain, and enhance proper patellar alignment, allowing individuals to engage in activities with less discomfort and improved knee function. McConnell taping is often utilized as part of a broader treatment plan in collaboration with physical therapy and exercises to provide comprehensive knee rehabilitation.

Kinesio taping

K taping is a technique that utilizes elastic therapeutic tape to provide support and relief for various knee problems. This method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while offering several benefits. Kinesio tape can enhance blood and lymphatic circulation, reduce pain, and provide additional structural support to the knee joint. It can aid in the correction of biomechanical issues, reduce swelling, and improve muscle function. Kinesio taping is often used in the management of knee injuries, such as patellar tracking issues or ligament strains, as well as for post-surgical rehabilitation. It allows individuals to maintain a greater range of motion while receiving the support they need to alleviate discomfort and promote knee stability during daily activities and physical therapy.

Class IV laser

Class IV lasers, used in various medical and therapeutic applications, work by emitting focused and powerful beams of light in the infrared spectrum. These lasers generate energy that penetrates into the body’s tissues and interacts with cellular structures. The energy is absorbed by cells, particularly those with higher metabolic activity, and this absorption can stimulate several beneficial physiological responses. These responses include increased cellular energy production (ATP), improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair. Class IV lasers are used to promote healing, reduce pain, and address a range of conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries to wound healing, by harnessing the therapeutic effects of laser energy on living tissues.