How to Handle Knee Pain

Non-Invasive Ways to Alleviate Knee Pain

Millions of people suffer from knee pain in the United States. Unfortunately few people take the necessary steps to alleviate the pain. Whether caused by an injury, arthritis, or another condition, there are several ways that you can successfully handle knee pain with the help of a trained physical therapist.

At Next Level Physical Therapy, we help individuals overcome pain and discomfort with a whole-body approach to recovery. Our highly trained and fully licensed physical therapist will develop a robust treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and specific wellness goals. Let us help you get to a pain-free life. Contact our Santa Clarita studio at (661) 383-9828  to schedule an appointment.

How Common Is Knee Pain?

According to The Washington Post, as many as 1 in 4 adults in the United States suffer from chronic knee pain. It is a widespread problem affecting millions of people of all ages. Knee problems can range in severity from relatively mild soreness to excruciating, debilitating pain. 

Despite the vast number of people that suffer from knee pain, few ever take the steps they need to relieve the discomfort. In many cases, knee pain can be alleviated without surgery. 

Instead of dealing with the underlying condition or injury, some people simply avoid physical activity that may aggravate the pain. Unfortunately, not using the knee can lead to increased stiffness, decreased mobility, and may exacerbate the problem.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to receive a prompt and accurate diagnosis to determine the root cause of your discomfort. 

Common causes of knee pain include:

• Arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Sprained or strained ligaments
• Patellar tendinitis
• Fracture
• Dislocated kneecap
• Torn meniscus
• infection

While some knee pain may be directly related to age and weight, in other cases it is the result of an injury. Regardless of the cause of the pain, there are steps you can take to successfully manage the pain with the help of a physical therapist. 

How Do I Handle Knee Pain?

The best way to handle knee pain is to start a treatment plan with an experienced physical therapist. A physical therapist can develop a routine to help you strengthen your knee, increase mobility and range of motion, and reduce pain and swelling. 

Non-invasive Ways to handle knee pain include:

• Regular exercise. Too often people believe that they need to rest, when in fact it is the lack of use that is causing additional discomfort. The longer that a part of the body remains inactive the more likely it is to stiffen and become rigid, particularly in the joints.
  
• Targeted stretching. A physical therapist may recommend a series of targeted stretches that can help alleviate the pain in your knee.
  
• Use the R-I-C-E method. For immediate relief, you can use the R-I-C-E method or Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. 

If your knee pain is persistent, contact our office to discuss how we can help you reduce swelling and inflammation. 

Should I See a Physical Therapist?

Do you have chronic pain in your knee? Contact our Santa Clarita studio to schedule an appointment with a fully licensed physical therapist today. Call (661) 383-9828 to see how we can help you live a pain-free life.