Knee pain can be caused by disease or by injury. Knee pain can restrict movement, affect muscle control in the sore leg, and reduce the strength and endurance of the muscles that support the knee. The most common disease affecting the knee is osteoarthritis, which is caused by the cartilage in the knee gradually wearing away, resulting in pain and swelling.

Knee injuries can occur as the result of a direct blow or sudden movement that strains the knee beyond its normal range of motion, as can happen in sports, recreational activities, a fall, or a motor vehicle accident. Knee pain caused by an injury often is associated with tears in the knee cartilage or ligaments. Knee pain also can be the result of repeated stress, as often occurs with the kneecap, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Very rarely, with extreme trauma, a bone may break at the knee.

Physical therapy can be an alternative for patients with knee pain because it is less invasive then total knee replacement surgery. Based on the evaluation, your Pinnacle physical therapist will develop a customized rehabilitation program, including a specific set of knee exercises, for you.

If you already have knee problems, your physical therapist can help with a plan of exercise that will strengthen your knee without increasing the risk of injury or further damage. As a general rule, you should choose gentle exercises such as swimming, aquatic exercise, or walking rather than jarring exercises such as jogging or high-impact aerobics.

Consult your physical therapist about specific ways to maintain your knee health following injury or surgery. The physical therapists at Pinnacle have the expertise to evaluate your knee health and to refer you to another health care provider, if necessary. They also can determine just how much you may need to limit physical activity involving the affected knee. He or she also can gauge your knee's progress in function during your rehabilitation.

Your physical therapist can help you before and after surgery, if surgery is needed. Your physical therapist, in consultation with your surgeon, will be able to tell you how much activity you can do, depending on the type of knee surgery (such as total knee replacement) you undergo. Your therapist and surgeon also might have you participate in physical therapy prior to surgery to increase your strength and motion. This can sometimes help with recovery after surgery.

Following surgery, your Pinnacle physical therapist will design a personalized rehabilitation program for you and help you gain the strength, movement, and endurance you need to return to performing the daily activities you did before.

Give Pinnacle Physical Therapy a call if you are suffering from knee pain. We are here to help you get out of pain and back to life! Post Falls - (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene - (208) 665-2000.