The knee sits between the hip and the ankle, so it often takes the blame for problems above or below it. Whether you are dealing with pain around the kneecap, a meniscus or ligament injury, or arthritis, building strength and control through the whole leg is central to getting back to stairs, squats and sport.
What does knee pain feel like?
- Pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain going up or down stairs
- Swelling after activity
- Clicking, catching or a feeling the knee might give way
- Stiffness after sitting for a while
What usually causes it?
- Weak quads and hips relative to your activity level
- A twist or pivot during sport
- Rapid increases in running, jumping or squatting
- Age-related joint changes
How can physical therapy help?
- Strength testing for the quads, hips and calves
- Progressive loading that respects how irritable the knee is
- Manual therapy to restore bend and straightening
- Return-to-sport testing before you go back to cutting and jumping
- Running analysis when pain shows up on the road
When should I get it checked?
See us if knee pain has lasted more than two weeks, keeps swelling, or is stopping you from stairs, squats or your sport.
See a doctor right away if you notice
- A pop with immediate swelling during sport
- The knee is locked and will not straighten
- Unable to put weight on the leg
- A hot, red, swollen knee with fever
Questions about knee pain
Are squats bad for my knees?
Not when they are dosed well. Squatting within a comfortable range is one of the best ways to strengthen a sore knee.
Do you work with ACL reconstructions?
Yes. We take you from the first weeks after surgery through return-to-sport testing.