Knee Pain Treatment Mississauga, Etobicoke, Oakville & Burlington
Knee pain can affect people of all ages and can be very debilitating. Knee pain can start suddenly with a fall or a motor vehicle accident or it can build up over time. Knee pain can make it difficult for people to do daily things, such as walking and climbing stairs. It can also prevent people from being active and doing regular exercise, which can negatively impact their overall health.
Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain
The signs and symptoms of knee pain will depend on the specific nature of the injury. However, the most commonly reported symptoms of knee pain include:
- Pain in the knee
- Reduced range of motion through the knee joint
- Swelling in and around the knee joint
- Clicking or grinding noises in the knee with certain movements or activities
- Sensations of instability or not being able to put your weight through your injured knee
- Locking or an inability to move the knee joint
Areas of Injury in the Knee
Like most joints in the body, the knee joint is very complex. It is made up of three bones and supported by several types of soft tissues. There are a variety of structures that can be involved in producing knee pain.
| Structure(s) | Nature of the injury |
| Bones – femur, tibia and patella (kneecap) | - Commonly injured through trauma
- Examples include falls, motor vehicle accidents or direct blows to the knee
|
| Cartilage | - Can wear down with age or with excessive high impact activities
- Arthritis can also lead to changes in the cartilage structure and thickness
|
| Meniscus | - The medial and lateral menisci are commonly injured through a sudden twist of the knee
- The meniscus can also be worn down with age-related changes of the knee
|
| Ligaments | - The ligaments of the knee are injured through trauma or sudden forces that stretch the ligaments beyond their normal length
- Ligament commonly occurs in sports with a lot of high impact or sudden movements
|
| Bursae | - The bursae of the knee can get inflamed and become painful with frequent and sustained pressure on the knee, such as kneeling
- Overuse and other mechanical injuries may also result in inflammation of the different bursae around the knee
|
| Muscles & Tendons | - Muscles and tendons of the knee can get injured or produce pain with sudden traumas, repetitive use or general weakness that has accumulated over time
|
Common sources of Knee Pain
Knee pain can happen for several different reasons. The most common reasons for knee pain are:
Fracture
- A fracture is a broken bone and can cause significant pain and disability.
- The most commonly fractured bones of the knee are the tibia and the kneecap.
- Simple fractures are initially treated with a period of immobilization, such as a cast.
- More complex fractures will require surgery to ensure proper healing.
- Physiotherapy will be required after the casting or surgery to manage pain, regain movement, strength and function.
Meniscus Injuries
- Meniscus tears are usually caused by sudden traumas involving twisting of the knee.
- Meniscal tears can be partial or complete and can cause instability in the knee.
- In severe cases, a piece of the meniscus can break off and can get stuck in the knee joint, which can cause locking of the knee.
- Severe tears may require surgery to ensure good function of the knee.
Ligament Injuries
- Ligaments can be torn partially or completely depending on the extent of the trauma to the knee.
- Ligament tears can produce a lot of pain, swelling and instability in the knee joint.
- The most commonly injured ligaments of the knee are the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament).
Tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis, or Jumper’s Knee, is the most common form of tendonitis in the knee.
- Tendonitis is an overuse injury and is caused by repetitive stress or loading of the patellar tendon, especially with frequent jumping movements.
- Patellar tendonitis is commonly seen in sports such as basketball, volleyball, tennis and football.
Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis in the knee results in changes in the cartilage that protects the surfaces of the bones.
- The cartilage becomes thinned, cracked or completely absent and can produce a lot of pain through the knee joint.
- Osteoarthritis is common in people over 50 years of age and can be present in varying severities.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a term used to describe pain in and around the knee cap.
- It is most common in adolescent girls who are involved in sports that require a lot of running, jumping and squatting movements.
- There are several reasons for the development of this pain, including changes in the protective cartilage underneath the knee cap and muscle imbalances in the hips and knees.
Baker’s Cyst
- A Baker’s cyst is another term for bursitis in the back of the knee.
- Inflammation or injury can cause the bursae in the back of the knee to swell and sometimes bulge out.
- A Baker’s cyst can cause a constant ache in the back of the knee and pain can worsen with bending motions of the knee.
Post-Surgical Knee
- Some injuries to the knee may require surgery to regain strength and function.
- The most commonly done knee surgeries are for ACL tears, meniscus tears and total knee replacements.
- The surgery will correct the structural damage but afterwards there will be a period of pain, swelling, weakness and reduced function of the knee.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Knee Pain
Physiotherapy is very important for the management of the knee pain. A Registered Physiotherapist at PhysioNow will perform a thorough assessment of the knee and implement a treatment plan to address all the patient’s limitations, including their pain, swelling, strength and function.
Physiotherapy treatment for knee pain will include patient education, manual therapy for the soft tissues and joints of the knee and active exercise therapy. Electrotherapy or acupuncture may also be used to help with pain management.
Don’t let knee pain stop you from living your life! We have 4 locations across the communities of Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville to help you manage your pain. Contact PhysioNow to book your appointment and get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What will a physiotherapist do for knee pain?
Physiotherapists will use a variety of treatment techniques to decrease your pain, increase your mobility and strength, and increase the functional capacity of your knee. After a comprehensive assessment, a physiotherapist will create an individualized treatment plan to suit your unique needs. This may include manual therapy, modalities like heat or ice, therapeutic exercises, functional training and more.
When should I go to a physiotherapist for knee pain?
If you have persistent pain, difficulty with daily movements and activities, or are limited in playing your favourite sport, it might be time to seek help from a Physiotherapist. Our experienced PhysioNow staff will get you on a tailored treatment plan to reduce your pain and get you back to doing what you love.
Is it better to walk or rest with knee pain?
After an acute injury or during an arthritic flare up, it is recommended to rest the knee for a brief period of time. However, resting for too long can negatively affect the strength and function of your knee. If you are unsure of how much your knee can handle, consult one of the Registered Physiotherapists at PhysioNow.
How do I know if I tore my ACL or meniscus?
Imaging tests like an MRI are the gold standard to determining the injured structures. Oftentimes, these structures can be injured together as well. Common findings for an ACL injury are a popping sound, immediate pain and swelling, and instability in the knee. Common findings for a meniscal tear are clicking, locking of the joint, and difficulty with straightening and bending the knee.
Can a torn meniscus heal by itself?
It depends on the part of the meniscus and the extent of the injury. Minor tears and in areas with a stronger blood supply are more likely to heal. Larger tears and ones that damage the inner portion of the meniscus with less blood supply are less likely to recover on their own. In these cases, surgery may be required. Your health care team will help you determine an appropriate course of action.
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