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Why does my knee hurt?
Knee pain is very common and can have significant effects on quality of life. Both chronic and acute knee pain can hinder your ability to walk and perform everyday functions. Sitting, standing, climbing stairs, exercising, getting in and out of cars, and many other everyday activities can be affected due to knee pain. Injury, strain, or repetitive motion can be the cause of knee pain and many symptoms can result from excess swelling forming in the knee joint.
Where you actually "feel" the knee pain can vary depending on the structure that sustained damage or strain. Locating the exact spot of your knee pain will help in diagnosing the root cause and subsequent treatment. For instance, if you're experiencing pain in your kneecap, commonly referred to as patellofemoral stress syndrome (PFS), it could be due to either poor "tracking" movement of the kneecap in the groove at the end of the thigh bone, or an inflamed tendon located at the front or side of your knee. Pain on the inside of your knee (the side closest to your other leg) could be a result of an injury to the medial meniscus or medial collateral ligament. If you're experiencing pain on the outside of your knee, the root cause could be iliotibial band (ITB) stress, among injuries to various other structures in the knee area. Lastly, pain in the back of the knee could be a result of an injury to (or strain of) the hamstring tendons. If you are able to accurately explain your pain to doctor or physical therapist, it can help tremendously with diagnosing your knee condition.
Symptoms of knee pain:
- Redness around the knee joint
- Knee swelling
- Weak knees
- Tender knees
- Stiff knees
- Excess fluid in knees
- Soft kneecaps
- Warm knees
Possible reasons for knee pain:
- Patellofemoral stress syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Dislocated knee
- Baker's cyst
- Chondromalacia patella
- Meniscus tear
- Gout
- ACL tear
- Torn ligaments
- Bone tumors
It's OK if you don't have a prescription from your doctor.
Even if you don't have a prescription from your doctor, call one of our physical therapy clinics or use this form to book your appointment today. Learn more about direct access here.
Treatment for knee pain
The treatment options for knee pain will depend heavily on the condition at the root cause your knee pain along with your symptoms and personal goals. Your physician can help you determine the best treatment options of your knee pain, including physical therapy. If you don't have a prescription for physical therapy treatment from your doctor, you may still be able to visit an Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy location near you for treatment, depending on the rules of the state you live in.
Learn more about "direct access" policies in your state.
Treatment options for knee pain include, but are not limited to:
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Our clinics that offer treatment for knee pain:
