Chronic knee pain is common, and it consists of ongoing pain, sensitivity, or swelling. There are numerous causes of this problem, and some are movement or trauma related. However, there are certain medical conditions that can also cause long-term knee issues. No matter the reason for your knee pain, physical therapy in Northfield, NJ can address the problem and recommend a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and regain function.
5 Surprising Conditions
If your chronic knee pain is not due to a sports-related incident or other trauma, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor to see if it is a result of a medical condition.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis, although it is also called a metabolic disorder. Gout results in a buildup of uric acid in the joints, including the knees.
Risk factors for gout include diabetes, obesity, extreme alcohol use, and poor dietary factors.
Degenerative Tissue Disorder
Physical therapy in Monroe, NJ is common for clients who have osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disorder. OA is a common condition, and it is caused by the wearing down of joints over time. Symptoms include stiffness and pain after rest and swelling after activity.
Risk factors include age, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, and poor diet.
Auto-Inflammatory Disease
One common auto-inflammatory disease is rheumatoid arthritis, and it commonly affects the knee. In the case of auto-immune conditions, the body attacks itself, and in RA, the immune system targets the tissues of the knee. Symptoms include pain, fatigue, and inflammation of the joints.
Risk factors include genetics, age, being female, obesity, and smoking.
Infection
Certain infections, such as cellulitis, can lead to chronic knee pain if not properly treated. Symptoms include swelling, redness, stiffness, and pain.
Risk factors include skin conditions, lymphedema, obesity, and poor immunity.
Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for many of the conditions that cause knee pain. Being overweight puts significant strain on the knee joints, which can lead to chronic inflammation and pain.
How To Manage With PT
If you experience chronic knee pain, you may benefit from searching for physical therapy near me. Physical therapists are highly trained to treat both acute and chronic knee pain.
During the initial appointment, the therapist will conduct an exam of your affected knee and the surrounding areas. If you have been diagnosed with one of the previous medical conditions, let your therapist know, as this may affect how he or she approaches your treatment plan.
Depending on your specific situation, your treatment may include therapies to provide pain and symptom relief as well as improve function. The therapist will incorporate a variety of methods to achieve your goals. These may include manual therapy, trigger point therapy, stretches, and strengthening exercises.
If you have lived with knee pain for a long time, there is a chance that your overall mobility has been affected. If so, your physical therapist will work to correct your lower extremity mechanics so that you can regain proper movement, and so that you do not re-injure the knees.
