Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category

Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint among patients of all ages.

Knee pain may be the result of:

* an injury, such as a torn cartilage

* mechanical problems such as maltracking of the patella (kneecap)

* or a medical condition, such as osteoarthritis

 

 

The good news is that the majority of knee pain can be alleviated with physiotherapy and ongoing self care.

Symptoms of knee pain

The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause. Generally, it will include one or more of the following:

  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Weakness or instability
  • Popping or crunching noises
  • Redness and/or warm to touch
  • Inability to straighten the knee

 

 

 

There are many different causes of knee pain

 

Injury

  • Tears to ACL and/or meniscus –  Loaded twisting actions of the knee, particularly changing direction awkwardly while running or other load-bearing activities can cause a tear to the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and or meniscus (cartilage between the knee).

 

  • Fractures – A fall on the knee or direct blow can break or dislocate the kneecap or bones that make up the knee joint.

 

  • Tendinitis – is inflammation of the one or more tendons of the knee. It is aggravated by movement, particularly going up and downstairs.  It is often due to either high volume or long-term repeated load on the tendon.  Tendinitis is common in runners. And, as we age, the tendons start to become more brittle, making them more vulnerable to increased loads.

 

  • Bursitis – There are 11 bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) around the knee joint.  They can become irritated with prolonged kneeling and/or mechanical irritation or a direct blow to the knee causing pain and swelling around the knee.

 

Mechanical problems

  • Hip/foot pain – Conditions of the hip and/or foot may alter the way you walk, placing more load on the knee joint.

 

  • Iliotibial Band  (ITB) Syndrome – The ITB is a band of connective tissue that extends from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee.  It can tighten during activities such as running causing lateral knee pain.

 

Medical Conditions

Arthritis.  There are many types of arthritis but two are common causes of knee pain.

 

  • Osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear of the cartilage of the knee

 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes pain and inflammation of multiple joints including the knee.

 

Managing knee pain

Due to the wide variety of causes, it is important to have your knee pain assessed early on by a physiotherapist to determine the source of the pain and implement the appropriate treatment.

This may include manual therapy, ultrasound, taping and bracing, exercise therapy and avoiding the aggravating movements.

 

Learn more

 

 

For more information call 9819 6151

Osteoarthritis Management

dreamstime_s_23250676-300What is osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition where cartilage (the protective covering over the ends of your bones) becomes thin and starts to wear away.

This cartilage is what stops the bones in your joints from rubbing against each other.

Damage to cartilage can cause your joints to:

  • become painful, stiff or swollen
  • feel like they might lock up or give way

NOTE: It is also possible to have osteoarthritis and not feel any symptoms at all.

What causes osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis has no specific cause, however we know several factors lead to it’s development including:

  • excess weight
  • previous injury to a joint
  • overuse
  • genetics

The most common symptoms are stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting, and pain.

Affected joints, most commonly the hands, spine, hips and knees, may get swollen after extended activity.

 

How to manage osteoarthritis

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One of the most beneficial ways to manage osteoarthritis is to get moving.

 

While it may be hard to think of exercise when the joints hurt, moving is considered an important part of the treatment plan.

 

Studies show that simple activities like walking around the neighbourhood or taking a fun, easy exercise class can reduce pain and help maintain (or attain) a healthy weight.

 

  • Strengthening exercises build muscles around osteoarthritis-affected joints, easing the burden on those joints and reducing pain.
  • Range-of-motion exercise like pilates helps maintain and improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
  • Aerobic exercise helps to improve stamina and energy levels and also help to reduce excess weight.

At Strive Physiotherapy Drummoyne we can help you manage osteoarthritis so you can keep moving well.  Call us for an assessment and advice regarding safe and beneficial exercises for you to do on 9819 6151.

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