"I Have Knee Pain. How do I know if it is a ligament, meniscus, muscle, tendon, or knee joint issue?" (Concierge Pain Relief - Home Physical Therapy

Knee pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including ligament, meniscus, muscle, tendon, or knee joint issues. Identifying the source of your knee pain is essential in determining the appropriate treatment plan. In this blog post, we'll explore each of these potential causes and how to identify them, backed up with research article citations.

Knee Ligament Issues:
The ligaments in your knee are strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) are two commonly injured ligaments in the knee. Ligament injuries can result in pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. If you've experienced a sudden twisting motion or impact to your knee, you may have injured a ligament. A physical exam, along with imaging tests such as an MRI, can help diagnose a ligament injury. Treatment for ligament injuries may include physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.

The ligaments in your knee are strong, fibrous bands that connect the bones and provide stability to the joint. A tear or sprain in the ligaments can cause pain, swelling, and instability. The most commonly injured ligament in the knee is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, ACL injuries are more common in females than males due to anatomical differences in the knee joint (1). A person with an ACL injury may feel a popping sensation in the knee at the time of injury and experience pain and swelling within a few hours.

Knee Meniscus Issues
The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and the shinbone. A meniscal tear can occur from sudden twisting or turning of the knee, or from wear and tear over time. Symptoms of a meniscal tear include pain, swelling, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee.

A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for meniscal tears (2). The study found that physical therapy resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life for patients with meniscal tears.

Knee Muscle Issues
The muscles surrounding the knee joint can also cause pain and discomfort. The quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh and the hamstrings at the back of the thigh are two muscle groups that are commonly involved in knee pain.

A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that stretching and strengthening exercises can be effective in reducing knee pain caused by muscle imbalances (3). The study found that a six-week exercise program led to significant improvements in pain, function, and strength for patients with knee pain caused by muscle imbalances.

Knee Tendon Issues
The tendons in your knee connect your muscles to your bones. The patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, is the largest tendon in the knee. Overuse or injury to the patellar tendon can cause pain and swelling, which is known as patellar tendinitis.

A study published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation found that eccentric strengthening exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle while it is under tension, can be effective in treating patellar tendinitis (4). The study found that eccentric exercises resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and strength for patients with patellar tendinitis.

Knee Joint Issues
The knee joint is made up of three bones: the thighbone, the shinbone, and the kneecap. The ends of these bones are covered with a layer of smooth cartilage, which helps them glide smoothly over each other. Arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the joint, is a common cause of knee pain.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the knee joint (5). The study found that physical therapy resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Knee joint issues, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, can also cause knee pain. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.

If you have knee joint issues, you may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and a limited range of motion. A physical examination and diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray or blood test, can help diagnose knee joint issues. Treatment options will include hands-on physical therapy including manual therapy and gentle progressive stretching, and joint stabilization drills and exercises. 

Conclusion
Knee pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can alleviate your symptoms and return to your daily activities.

If you are experiencing knee pain, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

At Concierge Pain Relief, we offer home physical therapy services to help diagnose and treat your knee pain in the comfort of your own home. In other words, we will
1.) Find the root cause of your knee issue, then,
2.) Fix the root cause of your knee issue.

>> Contact us anytime, 24/7, at (646)-781-8884, to inquire and schedule an appointment.

"I Have Knee Pain. How do I know if it is a ligament, meniscus, muscle, tendon, or knee joint issue?" (Concierge Pain Relief - Home Physical Therapy