Does knee pain mean Damage?

Knee pain can affect everything from walking and climbing stairs to running, squatting and playing sport. It can develop suddenly following an injury or gradually as the knee is exposed to changes in activity, exercise or workload.

Not all knee pain means there is serious damage. In many cases, understanding how the knee is responding to movement and load is an important part of recovery.

Physiotherapy can help identify factors contributing to your symptoms, improve strength and function and guide your return to activity.

Why Does My Knee Hurt?

Common contributors include:

* Sporting injuries

* Running and jumping

* Sudden increases in exercise

* Repetitive loading

* Muscle weakness

* Reduced mobility

* Previous knee injuries

* Osteoarthritis

* Changes in training volume

* Reduced tolerance to activity

Knee pain can occur both with and without a specific injury. Factors such as strength, recovery, sleep, training load and previous experiences with pain can all influence symptoms.

When Should You Get Knee Pain Checked?

Your knee is swollen or difficult to move

Swelling and restricted movement can occur following injury or irritation. If these symptoms are significant or aren't improving, an assessment can help determine the next step.

Stairs, squatting or getting up from a chair are becoming difficult

These everyday movements place demands through the knee. Ongoing difficulty can be a sign that your knee would benefit from a structured rehabilitation program.

Your knee pain keeps returning when you run or play sport

If symptoms repeatedly return when you increase your running, gym training or sporting activity, your knee may need a more gradual approach to increasing load.

You feel your knee is unstable

A feeling that the knee is giving way or lacking confidence during movement should be assessed, particularly following a sporting injury.

What Happens During a Knee Physiotherapy Assessment?

Your physiotherapist will look at both your symptoms and how your knee functions.

This may include discussing:

* How the pain started

* Previous knee injuries or surgery

* Running and sporting demands

* Gym training

* Work and daily activities

* Swelling and movement restrictions

* Your goals for recovery

The physical assessment may include knee movement, strength, balance, functional movements and, where appropriate, running or sporting tasks.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Knee Pain?

1. Strength and Exercise Rehabilitation

Building strength around the knee and lower limb is an important part of many rehabilitation programs. Exercises can be progressed as your capacity improves.

2. Load Management

Your physiotherapist can help determine how much walking, running, gym or sport your knee can currently tolerate and develop a gradual progression.

3. Movement and Functional Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can include squatting, stepping, balance, jumping, running and other movements relevant to your goals.

4. Return to Sport

For athletes, rehabilitation can progress beyond simply reducing pain to rebuilding the strength, power, balance and confidence needed for sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stop running if I have knee pain?

Not necessarily. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, running may be modified rather than completely stopped. Your physiotherapist can help determine an appropriate approach.

Does knee pain mean I have damaged my knee?

Pain does not always mean significant structural damage. A number of factors can contribute to knee pain, and an assessment can help put your symptoms into context.

Can physiotherapy help knee arthritis?

Yes. Exercise, strength training and activity management can be useful components of managing knee osteoarthritis and maintaining function.

Take the First Step Towards Managing Your Knee Pain

Knee pain doesn't have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With the right assessment and rehabilitation plan, many people can gradually rebuild their strength, confidence and tolerance to activity.

At North Parramatta Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries, we provide evidence-informed assessment and rehabilitation for knee pain throughout.

Contact our friendly team today on: 0298902444 or book online

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