Frequently asked questions on knee pain

If you are suffering from knee pain, we can help you. Our Expert Physiotherapists can help to relive your knee pain, strengthen knee muscles, restore your knee function, and improve your quality of life. Partner with us to get back to what you loving doing again. Please find the answers for the asked questions frequently by our patients.

1. What are the common causes for knee pain?

The most common causes of knee pain are osteoarthritis, injury, or overuse of the knee. Injuries or overuse include sprained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis. Osteoarthritis is aging related wear and tear of the joint. Other medical conditions can cause knee pain like gout or infection.

2.  My knee clicks, is it a problem?

Some of us have clicky joints. The clicking could occur for a few varied reasons. Although the noise can be disturbing, they are not to worry about.

If the clicking causes increased pain, locking or makes the knee feel unstable it needs attention.

3. What are the warning signs for knee pain?

* If the knee is giving way often and feels unstable

* Can’t weight bear.

* Significant swelling for minimal activities

*  Unable to fully extend or straighten the knee.

* Traumatic knee injury which causes severe pain

* Feeling unwell, Fever, redness, swelling in addition to knee pain

       Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.

4.  Can I self-manage my knee pain?

One in ten people are affected by knee pain in some point in their life. Most of the knee pain will normally resolve within 6-12 weeks. The tips below can enhance your recovery.

*  Hot water bottle or icepack application 15- 20 minutes to the painful area could help with pain and swelling- Do not apply directly to the skin!

*  Keep moving, gradually increasing activity levels as tolerable.

*  A short course of pain medication can help-speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

* Try simple exercises as listed in our patient resources.

5. How can I keep my knee healthy?

*  A good balance between diet and activity levels

*  Keep your knee muscles strong and flexible.

*  Weight management

* Keep moving.

* Treat your knee pain in time.

6. When do I need a Xray or MRI?

X-rays are usually used to assess bone and joint problems. Common indications are to rule out fractures, dislocation, or osteoarthritis. If the specialist has concerns with bone or joint, they may request a CT scan which shows bone, spurs better and also useful in providing guidance for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

MRI -Magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive imaging that can reveal subtle changes in bony and soft tissues. It is the scan of choice when there is significant knee injury as it will allow for assessment of all the ligaments, menisci, and internal structures.

7. I have been told I have arthritis do I need a new knee?

Not all patients with arthritis needs joint replacement surgery however, it depends on the severity of arthritis. If all the available conservative measures like medication, physiotherapy, joint injections have failed and if your mobility is significantly reduced with a compromise in your quality of life then joint replacement surgery may be the choice of treatment.

8. What knee pain treatments are available?

* Medication- painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful.

*  Physiotherapy- to improve joint function and strengthen knee muscles.

* Injections-Hydrocortisone injections are used to treat swollen or painful joints, or muscle pain. hyaluronic acid also called get injection can be used to lubricate the joint with arthritis.

*  Surgery- is the option for end range arthritis when all conservative measures have failed. Ligament and cartilage damages may need surgery like ACL reconstruction.

9. How can Physiotherapy help to relieve knee pain?

      The Physiotherapist will decide on the choice of treatment based on a thorough assessment which may include

* Strengthening exercises

*  Manual therapy like massage or join mobilisation.

*  Taping to protect or improve function.

*  Electrotherapy for pain relief and enhance tissue repair.

10. How long does it take to recover from knee replacement surgery?

The recovery time after a knee replacement surgery is about a year however, you should be able to do most of the tasks like driving in 6 weeks’ time.

We are specialists in knee rehabilitation, do not burden yourself alone. Book an appointment with us for a comprehensive assessment and customised treatment plan.