The knee allows you to perform several activities seamlessly. These activities include bending, squatting, running, and jumping. Unfortunately, knee pain, especially when bending, can cause immense discomfort and impair daily activities.
However, you can treat this pain at home and with a physical therapist. This article explores the causes of knee pain and physical therapy for knee pain when bending.
What Causes Knee Pain When Bending?
Knee pain when bending may feel like your knee will give way. The pain may vary in intensity from dull to burning pain. The causes of knee pain when bending include;
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that absorbs shock. However, the meniscus can tear, especially when you forcefully twist or rotate your knee. Meniscus tear is present with a popping sensation, limited range of motion, and feeling as if your knee is locked whenever you try moving it.
Tendonitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons. Repeated movements and sudden injury are common causes of tendinitis. If you have tendonitis in your knee, you will experience symptoms, including tenderness, pain, and swelling.
Dislocation
An injury to your knee can make the kneecap move out of position. A dislocated kneecap will cause an unstable knee, and you may hear a popping sound. In addition, you may be unable to do your everyday activities and feel pain when bending.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis results from the breaking down of the cartilage in the knee joint, causing the bones to rub each other. The friction causes knee pain and stiffness. Obesity, genetics, and age are risk factors for osteoarthritis. You may have osteoarthritis if your knees feel wobbly, lock up, or look swollen.
Home Remedies for Knee Pain When Bending
If you experience knee pain, you can try out the following home remedies to relieve pain.
RICE
The RICE method stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate. When you feel knee pain when bending, start by resting. Resting involves keeping weight off your knee to let your tissues heal. Afterward, apply ice to the sore area. You can wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the site for 20 minutes.
Wrapping compression bandages around your nee also helps with knee pain. However, do not wrap your knee tightly, as this can reduce blood supply to the area and cause more damage.
When possible, elevate your leg above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
Heat Therapy
You can apply heat to your knee to relieve pain. When applying heat, do not use a direct source of heat. Instead, wrap the heat source in a towel and do not apply it to an area of your body for more than 20 minutes at a time. Otherwise, there is a high risk of burning your skin.
Over-The-Counter Medication
Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can relieve knee pain. However, before using these medications, you must ensure they are safe based on your medical history.
When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Pain?
After trying home remedies for knee pain, you may still feel pain. At this point, you must visit your doctor for an evaluation. Your physical therapist at Summit Physical Therapy can diagnose the cause of the pain and prescribe an appropriate treatment. You should see a doctor if you notice any of the following;
- Swelling around the knee
- Very sharp pain
- Inability to walk normally
- Difficulty bearing weight on your leg
- Difficulty bending
Physical Therapy for Knee Pain When Bending
There are several physical therapy treatments for knee pain when bending. Before prescribing an appropriate treatment, your physical therapist will evaluate your pain’s severity and assess your gait, range of motion, balance, and strength.
Physical therapies for knee pain include;
Ultrasound
Merrick physical therapy uses therapeutic ultrasounds to treat knee pain in Merrick. This therapy is passive and involves using high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the deep tissues of the knee. Ultrasound reduces swelling and pain and helps to increase your range of motion.
Electric Stimulation
Electrical nerve stimulation uses electric current to relieve pain. The electric current triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. This physical therapy method is non-invasive and safe.
Knee Joint Mobilization
Knee joint mobilization is applying oscillatory manual force to the knee joints. This physical therapy technique restores normal joint function and improves the range of motion. In addition, it is in grades, with each grade varying from partial movement to end-of-the-range movement.
Physical Therapy Exercises
Your physical therapist will recommend exercises to strengthen the knee muscles, improve balance, and increase your range of motion. Some physical therapy exercises for knee pain when bending includes step-ups, wall squats, leg raises, and bridges.
Physical Therapy for Knee Pain in Merrick, NY
Osteoarthritis, injury, and meniscus tears are causes of persistent knee pain. Although you may use over-the-counter pain relief medications and other home remedies, your knee pain may persist. Therefore, your physical therapist can examine your knee pain to prescribe an appropriate treatment.
If you feel knee pain when bending, cannot carry out your daily activities, or feel like your knee will give way. Then, you need to consult a physical therapist in Merrick.
