Is it Knee Joint Pain or Kneecap Joint Pain?

Your knee pain may be a simple tracking problem. The knee has two main parts: the tibiofemoral joint (the main hinge of the knee) and the patellofemoral joint (where your kneecap moves). The kneecap acts like a pulley to help your thigh muscles work better, sliding up and down in a groove. When it doesn’t move correctly—often due to muscle tightness or weakness—it can lead to patellofemoral pain.

This problem often has a gradual onset and can result from repetitive activities such as squatting and stair climbing as well as being the result of poor footwear. A reduction in activity as well as an increase in activity may lead to the onset of this knee pain. If you suspect that you have a problem such as this it is important to get an early diagnosis so that treatment can be started early and the problem can be quickly resolved. The tibio-femoral joint or your actual knee joint is the one that is most commonly replaced in a Total Knee Replacement. Physiotherapy can help at all of the 4 stages –Diagnosis, Preventing surgery, Prehabilitation (before surgery) and Rehabilitation (post-surgery)

1. Diagnosis – The First step is to determine where the majority of symptoms are coming from. It is important to get assessed early after or even before the onset of symptoms.

2. Prevention – prescribe appropriate exercises for you, based on your symptoms and presentation, to reduce pain and swelling, improve range, and strengthen the surrounding muscles to prolong or prevent the need for surgery. Studies have shown that appropriate, body weight exercises will reduce your pain and improve function. Many of our patients have been able to completely avoid Total Knee Replacement.

3. Prehabilitation – if you require surgery, Physiotherapists can help ensure you are in the best shape to maximise your recovery and reduce your time in hospital. Your Physiotherapist will teach you exercises to do in preparation, and begin practicing the exercises you will need after surgery. You will also practice using crutches or other aids that you will need initially post-surgery

4. Rehabilitation – your Physiotherapist will assist your recovery greatly. They can use many different techniques to manage pain and swelling, increase your range, and strengthen the leg muscles.

The Physiotherapist can advise on footwear and also assist in when and how to walk without your walking aid.

If you think this may apply to you, or you are seeking the treatment of related issues, we are only a call away to securing your appointment with our experienced Physiotherapists!
Relieve your pain – call now: 35116352