Knee pain can be a source of discomfort for people of all ages. Whether you’re recovering from a running injury or struggling with arthritis pain, the expert orthopedic physical therapists at Praxis Physical Therapy in Vernon Hills, Illinois, can help. The team uses evidence-based physical therapy to relieve pain and restore full function to your knee. Whether your trying to avoid surgery, pre-surgery or post-op, we are here to help you! To learn more, call Praxis Physical Therapy or request an appointment online now.
Supported by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the knee joint is particularly vulnerable to damage and injury. Any part of the knee can be affected by acute or chronic pain. While anybody can develop knee pain, athletes, weekend warriors, and individuals who stand for long periods at work are at an increased risk.
Without healthy knees, your ability to walk or stand comfortably may deteriorate. That’s why early intervention is critical when treating lasting knee pain.
Many injuries and degenerative conditions can lead to persistent knee pain, such as:
Arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that can develop anywhere in your body. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when the cartilage that protects your joints wears down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the joints to swell. Gout, another common type of arthritis, happens when uric acid crystals collect in the joints.
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, runs from the knee to the shinbone. Changing direction quickly and suddenly — a common occurrence when running during soccer, football, or basketball — can cause the ACL to stretch or tear.
The meniscus, which absorbs shock between your shinbone and thighbone, can tear if you turn or change direction too suddenly. Much like an ACL injury, a torn meniscus is common in athletes.
The tendons around your knees connect muscle to bone. When tendons become inflamed, they can cause chronic pain that limits your mobility.
Knee pain symptoms vary depending on the cause and location of your injury. Common symptoms of knee pain include:
If you have knee pain, the skin that protects the joint may feel warm and tender to the touch.
Diagnosing knee pain requires a comprehensive physical exam as well as imaging scans in many cases. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans provide a full view of your knee’s internal structures to determine the location and extent of the damage.
Praxis Physical Therapy offers a full selection of physical therapy services, including top-of-the-line equipment. At the practice, the team uses the following machines to restore function and stability to your injured knee:
The practice also offers advanced equipment for athletes who play baseball, golf, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, cheerleading, or dance.
To learn more about knee pain, call Praxis Physical Therapy or schedule an appointment online today.
