Are you experiencing knee pain? Read on to discover more about the different types

Seeing a physiotherapist is usually the best approach for knee pain. Until then, Nurofen and other pain killers can help with pain management. 

Anterior knee pain

The ‘anterior’ is essentially the front part of the knee, and thus ‘anterior knee pain’ relates to any type of pain that is experienced in this part of the knee, with causes, symptoms and conditions varying quite extensively.

This highlights why it is so important to undergo a thorough assessment if you are suffering from anterior knee pain, as it is vital to come to an accurate diagnosis in order to provide the most effective course of treatment. Unfortunately, this is something a lot of inexperienced physiotherapists do not do; instead, they jump straight into the treatment phase, which can lead to further problems if the techniques used are not right for the condition.

When it comes to the diagnosis, one of the most important things a physiotherapist will do is determine the source of pain, as anterior knee pain can come from the knee joint, the patella tendon, the quadriceps muscles, the kneecap, and many other structures. It is vital to determine the source of the pain so they can base their treatment around this.

They will then put together a bespoke treatment plan, which will include a wide variety of approaches – depending on your condition, including the likes of massage, strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, balancing exercises, electrotherapy, ice or heat application and joint mobilisation. 

Arthritis

A lot of patients have arthritis in their knees, especially those over the age of 50 years old, as this is a degenerative health condition, meaning it occurs because of gradual wear and tear to the bone surfaces of the knee joint and the surrounding cartilage, which in turn creates inflammation and can be very painful. As this is a condition that is simply a result of getting older, it cannot be fully cured, yet physiotherapy can ensure that the condition is managed correctly so you don’t experience such excruciating pain again.

There are several signs and symptoms to look out for if you think you could be suffering from knee arthritis. You may experience joint pain, especially first thing in the morning, as well as knee pain, especially when partaking in weight-bearing activities. Aside from this, other symptoms include a clicking, locking or grinding sensation during particular movements, decreased flexibility, and swelling, as well as visible deformity of the knee joint and muscle wasting in more severe cases. 

Patella pain

The patella refers to the undersurface of the kneecap, which is covered with cartilage, and there are several different reasons why this area may be causing pain for someone. From patella tendonitis to chondromalacia patella, the conditions vary, but this is something you don’t need to worry about, as a specialist will effectively diagnose the issue and provide you with the most effective treatment based on your condition and the severity of it.

From overuse to the degenerative process, the causes of patella pain differ, and the type of pain experienced can alter from patient to patient as well. Chondromalacia is a condition that occurs due to irritation of the knee cap’s under surface, which tends to occur as a result of regular sporting activity, while patella tendonitis is a condition that occurs due to the tendon being overstressed, which can also occur because of activity and overuse and is sometimes the result of an acute injury to the tendon. There are many other types of patella pain that can occur; the two mentioned are simply two of the most common.

This all highlights why the diagnosis stage is so important. Experienced physiotherapists will examine your kneecap and evaluate your symptoms so they can come to an accurate diagnosis regarding what is causing the pain, which they will then use to put together a treatment plan that is designed to ensure quick and effective alleviation of pain.

They will use a wide assortment of techniques, depending on your condition, including the likes of massage, dry needling, strengthening exercises, balance exercises, heat or ice application, electrotherapy and flexibility exercises. They will also provide you with all of the advice and education you need so you can manage your condition effectively, as self-care is an imperative part of the recovery process. 

Post-operative rehab

If you have recently undergone any type of knee surgery, it is vital to see a physiotherapist afterward so they can put together an effective post-operative rehabilitation program for you to follow. The importance of this cannot be undervalued; physiotherapy is vital to guarantee that there are no complications afterward and to make sure you recover successfully.

There are many different types of knee operations that people undergo, and the severity of the condition varies dramatically, as does the medication they use and such like. There are so many different factors to take into consideration, which is why it is so important to have a bespoke treatment plan devised that is entirely catered to you.

A wide range of treatments and techniques are used when it comes to post-operative rehab, including, soft tissue massage, dry needling, strengthening exercises, core stability exercises, ice or heat application, electrotherapy, flexibility exercises and much more.

A specialist will also provide you with a program to follow at home so you can ensure you manage your condition effectively. Patient compliance plays a huge role when it comes to the effectiveness of post-operative rehab, so it is vital to follow the advice we provide you with and continue the recovery process effectively at home if you want to get back to your best.

There is no denying that physiotherapy is the only option for anyone that has undergone knee surgery, as it ensures your recovery process is effective, whereas other methods simply provide a quick fix that offers temporary pain relief, such as painkillers – they do nothing for the recovery of your knee. 

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