The movement of a body is a multifunctional task. Various body parts align together to make the movement possible and one of these is your knees. According to reports, around 25% of adults in the USA complain of knee pain. You may have also come across old age people who often complain of knee problems. While aging is one factor that makes knee problems a common problem, there can be various other reasons behind it as well. At INPC, we provide knee pain physical therapy to help our patients get back to their normal knee movement.
Knee pain can disrupt the usual physical ability of a person. So, ignoring the condition may be a poor idea! It is always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible in cases of unexplained or prolonged knee pain. In this blog, we will be exploring all about knee pain and how our team at Indiana Neurology and Pain Center treats knee pain through physical therapy. So, let’s get started!
What is knee pain?
Simply put, knee pain refers to minor, severe, or chronic pain in the knees. It may affect one or both knees. There can be various reasons that may affect the movement, functionality, and ability of knees. Injury or trauma on the knee or muscles around and overweight are some of the common reasons. Apart from these, an underlying medical condition may also trigger knee pain and discomfort. In some cases, the person may not be able to understand the underlying cause triggering knee pain. These are unexplained pain and must be given medical attention at the earliest. The best idea is to visit a medical professional if the pain persists for over a week.
How is knee pain diagnosed at INPC?
As discussed above, knee pain can occur due to various reasons. So, the first step towards treatment is the detailed and correct diagnosis. At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, we ensure comprehensive diagnosis to reach a concrete conclusion regarding the cause and treatment of knee pain.
At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, we have a team of professionals who perform the diagnosis for knee pain. The process involves the following:
- The doctor will ask certain questions of the patient. It may be regarding a history of knee pain, any accident leading to knee pain, existing diseases, ongoing medications, etc.
- The doctor will then proceed with the physical examination of the knee. The patient may be asked to keep the knee naked and the doctor may touch or press the knees to understand the concern
- If the problem is diagnosed through physical examination, no further tests will be required. If not, certain diagnostic tests may be required
- The patient may be suggested to undergo an X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI so the doctor will have a better insight into the matter
- Depending on the diagnostic reports, the treatment will be decided. Usually, basic medications and physical therapy help in cases that do not require surgery or interventional therapies.
Knee pain physical therapy at INPC
Depending on the underlying cause of the knee pain, physical therapy may be recommended. In case your doctor concludes your treatment with physical therapy solutions, Indiana Neurology and Pain Center is there to assist you. Our physical therapy sessions for knee pain can help you gain your lost movement and strength. The tenure required will be decided as per the severity of your knee pain and the recommendations of the doctor.
Usually, knee pain physical therapy is continued a few days a week and is continued for a few weeks or months. The therapy is customized as per the condition of the patient. So, two different cases of knee pain therapy may not be the same. The physical therapy aims at helping the patient strengthen their hips and knee muscles. It further aims at maintaining the balance of the legs like before. The therapist also focuses on stretching and movement of the knees and legs.
At the end of the physical therapy sessions, you may feel relief and gradually, it helps you gain back the lost strength. Depending on the situation, the patient may also be recommended certain medicines to support the treatment and quick recovery.
Who is at risk of knee pain?
Knee pain, caused due to accidents, can be equally risky for anyone suffering an accident. In such a situation, avoiding an accident and being careful against it is the key. Apart from accidents, there can be various reasons for knee pain. Some people may be at a higher risk of developing knee pain at some point in their life. It includes:
- Limited knee muscle flexibility
Someone with limited flexibility of knee muscles can be at a higher risk of knee pain and problems. It is crucial to train your muscles for maximum flexibility or seek medical attention in case of flexibility limitations. Strong muscles can keep your knee in a good position and support flexibility to its fullest.
- Overweight body
People who are overweight are at an alarming risk of developing knee pain. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your knee muscles, especially while walking, running, or climbing stairs. The risk of joint cartilage breakdown and osteoarthritis also increases due to overweight. Not just this but obesity can be a risk factor for various physical problems including lifestyle diseases. You may perform regular exercise and consult with a dietician for better weight management.
- Sports activities
People who indulge in certain sports activities are at a higher risk of knee pain or other musculoskeletal problems. Sports involving jumps, excessive running, or pounding of knees may lead to ligament tear or knee injury. The ideal way is to wear sports gear properly to avoid injuries as much as you can!
Conclusion
You must understand that not all knee pain is a serious condition. Just like a minor injury to another body part can cause pain, a knee injury or muscle stretch can cause pain. However, to rule out the possibility of a serious condition, it is crucial to consult a doctor. If you have suffered an accident or serious muscle trauma, you may directly consult your doctor at INPC without any delay. However, if you experience unexplained muscle pain that does not go through home remedies in a few days, you must not avoid medical attention anymore. Knee pain that persists for over 5-7 days requires professional attention.
At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, we have a team of pain specialists. Our team performs a detailed diagnosis to prepare a customized treatment plan for your knee pain. You may call us or walk into our clinic to book an appointment! We are enthusiastic to assist with your medical needs!