CLASSIC INDICATORS OF KNEE PAIN
• Localized Pain and Swelling: A primary indicator of knee issues is localized pain, often accompanied by swelling. This can be especially noticeable after prolonged periods of activity. • Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: Another hallmark of knee pain is stiffness, which often restricts the knee’s range of motion. • Popping or Crunching Noises: Experiencing popping or crunching noises during knee movement is a sign that shouldn’t be ignored, as these sounds often signify underlying knee issues. • Difficulty in Bearing Weight: A large number of individuals with knee pain report difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee. This is often described as a feeling of weakness or instability, making activities such as climbing stairs or even simple walking difficult. While interconnected, the hip and knee are distinct structures with unique roles in our body’s movement and different responsibilities. Understanding these differences is vital in diagnosing and treating pain effectively. This is where the expertise of our physical therapist can help! NAVIGATING THE PATH TO RECOVERY At Fritz Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, and distinguish whether you’re dealing with an issue in your hip, knee, or both. After completing the evaluation, we’ll design a program focusing on the actionable steps you can take to ensure long- term relief and prevention of future injuries, including the following: • Tailored Therapeutic Exercises: Our therapists will provide you with stretching and strengthening exercises to help restore your mobility and function. For example, eccentric training focuses on elongating a muscle under tension, proving particularly effective in strengthening muscles and improving mobility. • Neuromuscular Re-education: This involves using exercises and manual techniques to restore normal muscle function and movement patterns. These techniques are especially effective in reducing pain and enhancing function, especially in individuals with hip and knee pain. Our therapists go beyond the surface, digging deep into your symptoms to identify the underlying issues and determining the true origin of your pain, whether the hip, the knee, or both. Our goal is to build a program that helps you get back to living your best life! Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32643252/ • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31621559/ • https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30407271/ • https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/fulltext/2020/04000/hip_muscle_ strengthening_for_knee_osteoarthritis_.6.aspx •https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2018.7877
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