How Can Our Knee Specialist in Chicago Help You?
Are you or a loved one suffering from knee pain hindering you from performing your daily activities or movements? More common among people who participate in sports that may involve running or jumping, “runner’s knee,” or patellofemoral pain syndrome, refers to the pain caused by these certain movements. Are looking for a knee specialist in Chicago? Look no further! Free Body Physical Therapy is here to help you get back to playing the sports you love, pain-free. Continue reading to learn more about this specific type of knee discomfort and how it’s treated through physical therapy techniques.
Causes of Patellofemoral Pain
Although doctors are unsure of the exact causes of this condition, it has been found to be associated with the following:
- Overuse- repetitive running and jumping movements can put stress on the kneecaps
- Muscle imbalance or weakness- when the muscles between the hip and knee don’t allow your kneecap to be properly aligned
- Injury- trauma caused by dislocation of fracture may cause pain in the kneecap
- Surgery- knee surgery may increase the risk of this condition over time
Symptoms
This specific type of knee pain is known to become present when the knee is aggravated through certain positions of movements. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is most likely described as a dull, aching pain along the front or side of your kneecap. Movements that may induce this discomfort or pain may include but are not limited to:
- Walking up or down the stairs
- Running
- Kneeling or squatting
- Sitting for long periods
Recommended Treatments
If your knee pain increases during activities such as running, walking upstairs, or kneeling, it is recommended to start with simple treatments of ice and rest. Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen may be taken if needed as well. However, sometimes the pain might not diminish within a couple of days, and visiting a knee specialist in Chicago may be more beneficial. Physical therapy may be the proper path for you when attempting to decrease your knee pain overall. While guiding you towards a healthy and safe recovery, our physical therapist may suggest:
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Supportive braces
- Taping of the knee
- Ice
- Knee-friendly sports such as bicycling and swimming
Are you looking for a knee specialist in Chicago? For more information, visit our website or schedule an appointment by contacting Free Body Physical Therapy today!