Knee pain is commonplace in the country, as it one of the leading causes of pain among Australians who suffer from chronic pain.

This condition restricts movement, negatively impacts muscle control in the affected leg, and reduces the endurance and strength of knee muscles and its surrounding muscle region.

What are the causes of knee pain?

One of the most common medical condition that affects the knee is osteoarthritis. Almost 1.9 million Australians are diagnosed with this condition and suffer from knee pain.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the degeneration of the knee cartilage resulting in inflammation, pain, and swelling.

Other causes of knee pain are excessive weight, ageing, sports-related injuries, dislocation, fracture, repetitive-motion injuries, and underlying infections.

If you are suffering from excruciating knee pain on a regular basis, it is of utmost importance to look for a pain management plan that will work for you.

What are the symptoms of knee pain?

Ligament tear – ligaments are fibres that provide support and stability to the knees. When ligaments are overworked or stretched to their limits, this can result in permanent damage, pain, swelling, joint weakness and instability.

Cartilage tear – cartilage in the knees functions as shock absorber. They can suffer mild to severe damages as a result of natural wear and tear.

Knee-cap pain – this is characterised by the abnormal movement of the patella due to muscle imbalance, shallow grooves in the femur, tightness of soft tissues, and feet pronation. Pain increases gradually over time and feels worse when performing activities that involve knee bending. 

How do you treat knee pain?

Some of the most common management and treatment interventions for knee pain are as follows:

Medications

One of the most popular treatments for knee pain is pain killer administration. Medications offer fast-acting pain relief and is a good way to manage acute knee pain and related symptoms. Prescription medication are usually provided to treat the underlying cause of knee pain.

Surgery

In the case of chronic knee pain or serious wear and tear of joints, your doctor may prescribe knee replacement surgery or knee correction surgery.

Injection

The administration of corticosteroid injections alleviates the pain of inflamed knees. Other injection treatments to manage chronic knee pain are hyaluronic acid supplements and arthrocentesis.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective means of relieving knee pain. A reliable physio in Werribee area can help you manage knee pain at home, too.

The main objective of physiotherapy is to provide you with an effective treatment strategy in dealing with knee pain and related injuries in the long run.

Your physiotherapist will give you exercises and treatment methodologies that will contribute to healing and improvement of your condition hence less pain as time goes by.

Some treatment methods for knee pain are as follows:

• Manual Therapy – this includes manipulation and massage of knee muscles
• Ultrasound – physiotherapists will use sound waves to reduce muscle spasms and pain.
• Electrical Stimulation – utilises mild electrical current to manage pain.

Physiotherapists may also recommend using heat and cold application to treat pain and inflammation. You will be given step-by-step instruction on how to use these techniques properly and safely at home.

The core of physiotherapy-based treatment for knee pain always includes exercise. Exercise may include core workouts, strength building movements, stretching, and walking.

Proper exercises that are customised based on your needs is a highly effective means of strengthening your muscles which in turn helps you to manage knee pain.

Increased comfort while exercising will lead to a more active lifestyle, which can help reduce knee pain all together. Physiotherapists provide comprehensive instructions and recommendations, so you can do all these exercises with utmost efficiency and safety in mind.

In severe cases, your physiotherapist may order you to wear knee braces that aids in mobility while reducing pain levels.

When looking for a physiotherapist that can help in managing your knee pain, I personally recommend looking for one that boasts expertise and experience in knee pain treatment and management.

It’s also important to check and verify if a physiotherapist is trained and licensed before obtaining his or her services. To get the best results, always do your due diligence and research for top-rated and reliable physio in Werribee area.