Anterior knee pain is a common condition that affects many people, from athletes to sedentary individuals. It refers to pain or discomfort in the front of the knee, which can be caused by various factors such as overuse, injury or structural abnormalities. If you’re experiencing anterior knee pain, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option to relieve your symptoms and improve your function.
Here are some of the most common anterior knee pain conditions that physical therapy can help with:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
This is a common condition that is caused by the misalignment of the patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone). It can result in pain and stiffness in the front of the knee, especially with activities such as running, jumping, or squatting. Physical therapy can help by correcting the alignment of the patella, improving flexibility and strength, and reducing inflammation and pain.
- Patellar tendonitis
This is an overuse injury that occurs when the patellar tendon, which connects the patella to the shinbone, becomes inflamed. It can cause pain and swelling in the front of the knee, especially with activities such as jumping, running or kneeling. Physical therapy assists in reducing inflammation, strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving biomechanics to prevent further injury.
- Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
This is a condition that occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, becomes inflamed or irritated. It can cause pain and irritation on the outside of the knee, especially with activities such as running or cycling. Physical therapy will address the iliotibial band, strengthen the muscles around the hip and knee, as well as correct any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to the problem.
- Osteoarthritis
This is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, resulting in pain, stiffness and limited mobility. The extent of cartilage wear does not always correlate with pain and the pain may be due to other factors. Physical therapy can help by improving joint mobility, reducing pain, inflammation and also by strengthening the muscles around the knee to improve support and stability.
Physical therapy treatment for anterior knee pain conditions typically involves a combination of exercises, manual therapy techniques and education. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. By following your treatment plan and working closely with your physical therapist, you can reduce your pain and improve your function, allowing you to return to your daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
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Northeast Georgia Medical Center provides rehabilitation services to patients who experienced an injury, accident, stroke, amputation, arthritis or other physical illness.