Chronic knee pain should not be ignored. If you’re experiencing knee pain, seeking treatments like aquatic therapy can enable you to start getting relief as soon as possible. Left untreated, knee pain can persist and worsen. It may even lead to the development of other symptoms and conditions. Effective early intervention can help you get relief and avoid further issues.
Research shows that knee pain affects around a quarter of the population. The common nature of knee pain does not take away from its potential severity. Though in some cases it can come and go quickly, in other situations it may be a sign of something more serious. Knowing when to take your knee pain seriously can be key to getting the treatment you need.
How to know if your knee pain is serious: 6 signs
Persistent pain — Temporary knee pain from overuse or minor injuries tends to resolve on its own. When knee pain persists for more than a few days, it might be a sign of a chronic condition or a significant injury. When your pain persists, make sure to monitor your condition. Is your pain getting better at all? Is it getting worse? After several days with no improvement, it might be time to seek help. Going to a physical therapist is an excellent start. Your physical therapist can help identify the source of your pain and develop customized treatment solutions.
Swelling — Painful swelling in the knee could be a sign of a serious condition. Knee swelling can have many different causes: The tissue around your knee may swell after sustaining an injury. Your tissue may swell due to an infection. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis and bursitis can also cause inflammation in the knee. If your knee swelling is significant and doesn’t subside quickly, seeing a professional may be necessary.
Locking or catching — Some knee conditions can cause your knee to lock or catch in place. Knee locking can limit your mobility and increase your risk of falling. Some potential causes of knee catching include arthritis and ligament tears. Depending on the reason for this symptom, professional intervention may be needed to prevent any further tissue damage. Physical therapists use multiple treatment methods specifically designed to restore mobility. When your knee is catching, your physical therapist may use passive stretching techniques. These are a form of manual therapy in which your physical therapist helps you stretch joints you cannot stretch on your own. If you’re having a hard time bending or extending your knee, assisted stretches can be key to restoring your full range of motion.
Pain worsening while resting — If your pain isn’t serious, it will likely go away with rest. When pain doesn’t go away or even gets worse with rest, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Pain that worsens at night is typically caused by pressure or strain. When you sleep, your body may enter a position that makes that pressure or strain more intense. Osteoarthritis, stress fractures and nerve compression are just a few conditions that can become more painful while resting.
Difficulty bearing weight — If your knee feels unstable when you put your weight on it, you may need to seek treatment. Difficulty bearing weight is often an indication of ligament damage. Injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears can make it hard to put any weight on the knee. If your knee pain is due to a major injury, recovery-oriented treatment is essential. Your physical therapist can use techniques that promote healing, such as manual therapy and dry needling.
Visible changes in the knee — Visible changes in your knee’s shape or alignment can be alarming. Seeking treatment can help you understand the reason for these changes and how you can address them. Visible lumps or bowing could be signs of a fracture, dislocation or other injury. Your physical therapist can evaluate the structure of your knee, identifying any issues that can be addressed with PT treatment.
KC Rehab offers personalized knee pain treatment
At KC Rehab, we’re dedicated to providing each patient with the highest quality of physical therapy treatment. When it comes to knee pain, we incorporate a range of treatment techniques, including manual therapy and dry needling, into our approach. With our help, you can identify the cause behind your knee pain and receive treatment designed to facilitate long-term relief.
Contact our team today for more information about knee pain treatment methods or to schedule an initial appointment.
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