Knee Injuries and Pain

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the bands of ligaments that connect your thigh bone to the shin bone at the knee. An ACL tear is common among athletes. Young female athletes are especially prone to an ACL tear. Symptoms of an ACL tear can include:

• A feeling that your knee gives away when putting weight on it
• Popping or snapping sound
• Sharp pain
• Swelling

Most ACL tears require surgery. If surgery is not necessary, your therapist will work with you to restore muscle strength, agility and balance. Post-surgery, your treatment will include icing and compression, movement exercises, electrical stimulation and strengthening and balancing exercises.

Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome is an overuse injury of the connective tissues located on the lateral or outer part of thigh and knee. Symptoms of IT band syndrome include:

• Pain after walking, stepping up/down stairs or moving from sitting to standing
• Pain on the outside of the knee
• Swelling near the outside of the knee

Our physical therapy team will create an individualized treatment plan to address your symptoms and get you back to the activities you love.

The meniscus is cartilage that cushions your knee. These tears can affect both athletes and non-athletes and symptoms can include:

• Difficulty bending the knee
• Difficulty walking or stepping up/down stairs
• Difficulty standing after prolonged sitting
• Popping or tearing sensation
• Sharp pain

Meniscal tears are often treated without surgery. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a specific treatment plan to meet your overall needs and goals.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing kids often due to growth spurts and physical activity. In addition to knee pain, symptoms of the disease can include:

• Pain that increases with exercise
• Swelling and tenderness below the kneecap
• Tightness in the quadriceps

Treatment will be specific to the cause and symptoms for your child.

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions your knee. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can include:

• Pain with walking, stepping up/down stairs and moving from a sitting to standing position
• Pain or stiffness after having your knee bent or straight
• Popping, cracking or grinding when moving your knee
• Swelling after activity
• Tender to touch

Our team of physical therapists will develop an individualized plan of care to get you back to everyday activities.