Knee pain can be a temporary discomfort or a long-term issue that hinders your daily life. Regardless of the situation, knee pain has a significant impact on your day-to-day activities. The knee joint is one of the busiest joints in the human body, responsible for bearing weight and coordinating every step of movement. Whether it’s walking, standing, climbing stairs, or engaging in intense exercise, all these activities rely on proper knee function. Once knee pain occurs, mobility can be gradually affected, disrupting the normal pace of life. If the pain recurs or persists, it is recommended to seek help from a physical therapist early on. Through a professional evaluation, the root cause of the issue can be identified, and a suitable treatment plan can be developed to help you get rid of the pain as quickly as possible.
Treatment Methods for Knee Pain
Many people may immediately opt for pain relief patches to alleviate knee pain. However, different causes of knee pain require different treatment strategies. Below, a physical therapist explains the main treatment methods for knee pain.
Physical Therapy for Knee Pain
Physical therapy is one of the primary treatments for knee pain, especially for patients with weakened muscle strength or insufficient knee stability. Under the guidance of a professional physical therapist, patients can perform targeted exercises to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, which help distribute pressure on the knee. In addition to strength training, physical therapy also includes joint mobilizations and myofascial release techniques to improve knee movement. Therapists may also use equipment or acupuncture to promote tissue recovery and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy Case Study for Knee Pain
Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
For moderate to severe knee pain, doctors may recommend using pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to temporarily alleviate discomfort. Pain relievers help reduce pain, allowing patients to resume daily activities. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce joint inflammation, particularly useful for pain caused by conditions like arthritis or gout. However, long-term use of these medications may have side effects on the body, so they should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Knee Brace Use
During the early stages of injury and treatment, it’s important to control inflammation and swelling while strengthening the muscles around the knee to restore stability. If necessary, physical therapists may recommend using a knee brace to provide additional support, especially during exercise or long periods of standing. Knee braces help reduce joint pressure and lower the risk of further knee pain, promoting quicker recovery.
How to Prevent Knee Pain?
While knee pain is common, there are several ways to reduce the likelihood of it occurring. By maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and engaging in appropriate exercise, you can effectively protect your knees and avoid future pain and discomfort.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of knee pain, as excessive weight puts extra pressure on the knee joint, especially when walking or climbing stairs. The pressure on the knees increases significantly in these activities. Controlling weight not only protects the knee joint but also reduces the likelihood of developing degenerative arthritis.
2. Correct Activity Posture
Since we use our knee joints daily, maintaining proper posture during activities is crucial to prevent knee pain. Whether standing, sitting, or walking, maintaining good posture helps distribute pressure evenly across the knees, avoiding excessive strain on one side. For example, when standing, ensure your weight is evenly distributed between both feet, avoiding long periods of standing on one side. During high-intensity activities, be mindful of posture during sudden stops, changes in direction, and landings to avoid injury.
3. Strengthen Knee Joints and Surrounding Muscles
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee is key to protecting the joint, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, which play a vital role in knee stability. Through appropriate exercise, these muscles help distribute the pressure on the knee, reducing the risk of injury.
In the early stages, when the body is weaker, low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking are recommended. These exercises can effectively strengthen the leg muscles without putting excessive pressure on the knees. Stretching exercises also help maintain knee joint flexibility, reducing stiffness. Specifically, leg stretches, such as stretching the quadriceps and hamstrings, are highly beneficial in preventing knee pain.