A healthy knee is essential for a healthy life. A physical therapist can ideally be consulted for all your knee-related problems and dysfunctions. The knee joint is the largest and most complex joint of the body that needs special care. Physical therapists can help the person to stand on their own and mobility by getting rid of several problems related to the knees and legs. 

Any issue of the joint can even lead to disability. The pain lasting for a few days to weeks can be acute and last for years transforming into chronic pain. Knee problems are the most common problem seen among a lot of people falling under the age group of above 45 years. Not only the elderly but young athletes are also targeted by such illness.

In general, knee pain can be kept at bay by doing regular exercise, stretching, eating an adequate amount of nuts, and a balanced diet. Constant motility is proven to be effective in maintaining the health of joints. 

The most common knee problems are:

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage is damaged due to excessive wear and tear of the joint. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is also a common knee inflammatory condition that is found to be autoimmune. 

Gouty arthritis is seen when there is a certain accumulation of the uric acid crystals in the joint

Dislocation can occur in case of accidents that are most probably cured by surgical procedures.

The most common cause of such knee problems are:

  • Aging factors – The older individuals are commonly affected as the bone density and muscular strength tends to become weaker.

 

  • Athletic and sports play – the constant workout and practice causes increased friction of joints.

 

  • Trauma or a certain blow – people who tend to fall are more prone to a certain occurrence. 

 

  • Accidents and injury – Accidents can cause knee problems in people of all the age groups. 

 

  • Obesity – hypertensive patients and those who are overweight have an increased bodily pressure on the knee causing pain.

 

  • Fractures – People may experience pain due to fractures in the leg. 

 

  • Hip or back pain – more number of women are associated with this condition. 

 

The symptoms that are usually noticed are:

  • Swelling
  • Pain in any segments over the knee
  • Warm and redness felt over the area
  • Inability to move the joint
  • Decreased range of motion

When to see the doctor?

If you experience pain or discomfort over the knee or surrounding area, you can contact a local physical therapist or a doctor to get expert advice. If you find it difficult to walk properly due to exertion on the knees, it is time to book an appointment with a doctor. The more you adjust with the discomfort it will lead to more friction and can worsen your condition. 

Physical therapists are the well-trained medical professionals for such cases. They provide such treatment plans to be effectively carried out for the same.

A physical therapist initially 

  • Diagnose your case
  • Assess your range of motion 
  • Check the extensibility of your lower body
  • And prepare a personalized treatment plan for the same

They have well-designed electric machines and are trained and educated enough in this field for increasing your joint and muscle strength, endurance and providing you stability.

What do the therapies include?

There are two types of therapies: Active and passive therapies

Active therapy is when you are given the exercise that is dependent on the patient to be carried out. They are the range of exercises that may be included in the treatment. 

Passive therapy is when the expert carries out the relieving therapy. It alleviates the pain and provides relief to the area. 

They include

  • Electrotherapy
  • Kinesiology
  • Efficient mobilization technique has given manually
  • Guided exercises
  • Cold or heat compress
  • Taping

There are a list of exercises that are most probably carried out and these are quite commonly carried out of that list:

  • Squats
  • Lateral walks
  • Steps
  • Leg raises

These are not to be done on your own. All the workouts are carried out under the supervision of a physical therapist. Some patients are also advised for strength training programs. 

How effective has it proved to be?

  • Improves your range of motion
  • Revives the cartilage tissues
  • Reduces swelling and inflammation
  • Alleviates your pain
  • Helps you able to walk with reduced restriction

Physical therapists in post-surgical programs

Physical therapists play a most essential role in case of any knee morbidity problems. They all carry the rehabilitation programs well. 

Knee replacement surgery is the most common surgical procedure these days. As it can intervene in your day-to-day chores post the procedure, you may need the help of a physical therapist to get rid of the pain. A therapist is usually associated to help the patient claim motion and mobility.

During the post-surgical surgical therapy, they help the patient from day 1 from waking up from the bed to the time they start their daily activities like driving and walking, and carry out the daily cause on a regular basis they help the patient to sit and start walking. 

Conclusion

Awareness regarding physical therapy is essential for every person linked to medical illness. They are the experts to cure an ailment in a person and help to get rid of any kind of pain.