MARCH 2022 NEWSLETTER

Knee pain can occur at different times in our life. It can alter the way we walk and upset the bio-mechanics further up the chain around the hip and lower back if it is not remedied .

Many people in sedentary jobs have weakness of the quads, gluteal muscles and hamstrings  which develops into knee pain. 

This can be true also for people who  actively walk ,cycle and run regularly . Although these forms of exercise have many benefits but they may also develop muscle imbalances and need to strengthen specific muscles for endurance, strength and stability. Often when exercising for strengthening we neglect to do enough stretching. Physiotherapy can prescribe a knee program after bio-mechanical assessment to help resolve these issues.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a progressive disease causing inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint as it worsens over time, but may also develop following traumatic knee injury.

Diagnosis is based on evidence of bone changes radiologically and the individual’s symptoms. Pain occurs as the cartilage covering the bone of the knee joint wears down, narrowing the joint space and causing friction.  Symptoms often develop gradually and may include pain &/or swelling worsening after activity, pain &/or stiffness after sitting with the knee bent or straight for a prolonged period, feeling of popping, cracking or grinding, and tenderness along the joint line. Because the knee is a weight bearing joint, the type and duration of activity will affect the symptoms.

Depending on the stage of the disease, osteoarthritis of the knee may be well managed by physiotherapy. by regaining range of movement, and strength. Electrotherapy may be used to reduce pain and swelling. Programs are tailored to allow exercise without pushing through pain.