Knee pain can manifest in various ways, and the experience can differ significantly from person to person. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that can limit your ability to move your leg.

• Pain: This is often the first symptom of knee issues. The pain may be constant or it may come and go, and it is usually worse with activity.
• Stiffness: People with knee issues often find that their joints are stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling: This is caused by inflammation in the joint. It can make the joint feel warm to the touch and can restrict the joint's range of motion.
• Decreased range of motion: Over time, the inflammation and damage caused by knee issues can make it difficult to move the affected joints.

Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of knee pain. The diagnostic process typically involves several steps to identify the specific cause.

Initial Evaluation

• Medical History: Your doctor will inquire about the onset, location, duration, and severity of your knee pain, as well as any associated symptoms and potential causes or injuries.¹²
• Physical Examination: This includes assessing range of motion, stability, and checking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or deformity. Specific tests like the McMurray test for meniscus tears or the Lachman test for ACL injuries may be performed.¹³

Diagnostic Imaging

• X-rays: These provide images of the bones and can identify arthritis, fractures, or joint space narrowing. They're usually the first imaging test used for knee pain.¹⁴
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This provides detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, helping detect tears or other injuries not visible on X-rays.¹⁵
• CT Scan: These provide more detailed cross-sectional images of the knee and are particularly useful for complex fractures.¹⁶
• Ultrasound: This can be used to evaluate effusions, cysts, and superficial structures, and to guide needle placement for aspiration or injection.¹⁷

Additional Diagnostic Procedures

• Joint Aspiration: Fluid is removed from the knee joint and examined for signs of infection, inflammation, or bleeding.¹⁸
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted into the joint to visualize the internal structures. It can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.¹⁹
• Blood Tests: These may be conducted to evaluate for systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or to detect signs of infection.²⁰

At C7Physio, our physiotherapists work closely with medical professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis before developing a comprehensive treatment plan.

Treatment for knee pain aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. It often involves:

• Medications: These can help manage the symptoms of knee issues, but they cannot cure the disease. Some medications can also slow the progression of the disease.
• Physical therapy: This can help improve joint function and keep the muscles around the joint strong.
• Lifestyle changes: These can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight loss if the person is overweight.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged joint.
• Exercises to improve strength and flexibility: These can help to reduce pain and improve joint function.
• Advice on managing daily activities: This can include learning new ways to do everyday tasks, such as cooking or cleaning, to reduce strain on affected joints.
• Assistance with pain management: This can include learning relaxation techniques or other methods to help manage pain.

Preventing knee pain and injuries is often easier than treating them. Adopting these evidence-based strategies can help maintain healthy knees throughout your life.

Exercise and Physical Activity

• Regular Exercise: Maintaining physical activity strengthens the muscles that support your knees. Focus on low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking.²¹
• Targeted Strength Training: Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles provides better support for the knee joint. Research shows strong muscles help absorb shock and reduce strain on knee cartilage.²²
• Flexibility Exercises: Regular stretching helps maintain full range of motion and reduces stiffness. Focus on the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles.²³

Weight Management

• Maintain Healthy Weight: Each additional kilogram of body weight adds 2-4 kilograms of pressure on your knees when walking. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce pressure on the knee joints.²⁴
• Balanced Diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the joints.²⁵

Injury Prevention Strategies

• Proper Technique: Learn and use proper form during physical activities and sports to reduce the risk of injury.²⁶
• Appropriate Footwear: Wear shoes that provide good support and fit properly. Replace athletic shoes regularly when they show signs of wear.²⁷
• Cross-Training: Vary your activities to avoid repetitive stress on the same joints and muscles.²⁸
• Gradual Progression: Increase the intensity and duration of activities gradually to allow your body to adapt.²⁹

Postural and Ergonomic Considerations

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Always bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy objects.³⁰
• Good Posture: Maintain proper alignment during sitting, standing, and walking to distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on the knees.³¹
• Ergonomic Modifications: Consider using supportive devices or modifications for activities that put strain on your knees, especially if you have occupational risks.³²

Regular consultations with a physiotherapist can help identify potential issues before they become problematic and provide personalized preventive strategies based on your specific needs and lifestyle.