Services We Offer
Knee
The knee is composed of two joints: tibiofemoral joint and patellofemoral joint. The tibiofemoral joint is between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The patellofemoral joint is between the patella (knee cap) and femur.
Knee Provides
The knee provides stability and shock absorption for the lower extremities during activities like squatting and walking. This is achieved through tissues like the meniscus within the joint space. Additional structures that support the knee joint are ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), joint capsule, and muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings).
Primary Actions of the Knee Joint
The primary actions of the knee joint are flexion and extension. These motions are enhanced by movement of the patella in the groove of the femur. The analogy that’s often used to demonstrate this relationship is the train (patella) on the train tracks (groove of femur). Strength and flexibility imbalances can affect how the train track is positioned for the train making it either straight or crooked.
Common Causes Of Knee Pain
There are a number of ways you can get knee pain. To keep it simple it can either be from a traumatic injury like falling or a non-traumatic injury such as having pain with certain movements. If it’s from a non-traumatic injury, then it could be an acute or chronic overuse injury. The severity of your symptoms will vary depending on the tissues affected and your movement patterns – how you squat, walk, and navigate stairs.
Other causes of knee pain include:
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Patellar dislocation
Plica syndrome
Tendinitis
Bursitis
Meniscus tears
Ligament sprains or tears
Muscle strains or tears
Fractures
And more
Common symptoms include:
Clicking/popping
Swelling or stiffness
Pain (aching, sharp, dull)
Difficulty straightening knee
Feeling as though your knee is stuck when trying to move it
Feeling like your knee is giving away
How Physical Therapy Helps You
Many issues occur in ankles and feet because most activities require us to be on our feet. Your symptoms can be local (within the ankle/foot), referred pain from a muscle, or radiating from the spine. A physical therapist can evaluate you to determine the cause of your symptoms to help manage pain, improve mobility, and restore strength.
Following the initial evaluation, your physical therapist will determine and discuss the cause of your pain or issues. Together, you and your physical therapist will set goals specific to your needs and create a plan of care. Your plan of care will help you accomplish your goals and get you back to what you enjoy doing!
Living with pain does not have to be your new norm. Contact us to get a free phone consult and schedule an initial appointment if you’re suffering from ankle and/or foot pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main joints of the knee?
The knee is made up of two joints: the tibiofemoral joint, which connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), and the patellofemoral joint, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the femur.
What are the primary actions of the knee joint?
The main movements of the knee are flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). These are guided by the patella moving in the groove of the femur—often compared to a train (patella) running along its tracks (the femoral groove).
What are the common causes of knee pain?
Knee pain can result from traumatic injuries, such as falls, or from non-traumatic issues like overuse. Conditions include patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, patellar dislocations, and more.
What symptoms may indicate a knee problem?
Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, pain (dull, sharp, or aching), clicking or popping sounds, difficulty straightening the knee, a “stuck” feeling, or the sensation that your knee might give out.
How can physical therapy help with knee pain?
Physical therapy addresses the root cause of your pain—whether it’s within the knee, from surrounding muscles, or even referred from the spine. A therapist will design a personalized plan to reduce pain, restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and help you return to your normal activities.