Managing Knee Pain

Knee pain can range from mild discomfort during specific movements to unbearable pain even at rest. For an accurate assessment, it is important to establish whether the pain is triggered by movement, which specific movements provoke it, how long it takes to settle, and whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is pain at night and how long it lasts. Knee pain can have the following characteristics:

• Sharp

• Stabbing

• Throbbing

• Burning

• Electric shock-like

• Superficial

• Deep

• Mild

• Dull

• Constant

• Intermittent

When knee pain appears, the immediate steps to take are:

• Rest the leg and avoid the activity that is causing the pain

• Rest with the leg elevated on a chair or pillow

• Apply ice to the knee, over the painful area, for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day (wrap the ice in a towel)

• Gentle stretches of the hip, knee, and foot help maintain the flexibility of the leg

Assessment by a Physiotherapist is essential to identify the structures that are affected and to rule out, or confirm, the co-existence of other conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as:

• Patellar Tendinopathy

• Patellofemoral Syndrome

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

• Medial or Lateral Collateral Ligament Rupture

• Posterolateral Corner Injury

• Posteromedial Corner Injury

• Meniscal Tear

Assessment by Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapist Mr Konstantinos Danalis is carried out through a detailed history-taking, clinical tests, and a trial treatment.

The priority is to reduce pain, which in some patients can be extremely severe. This is achieved through a combination of treatment options, such as specialist massage and the application of electrotherapy, which will reduce pain in every case. The knee is then mobilised through specialist exercises. Gradually, as range of movement increases, strengthening, balance, and proprioception exercises are introduced. The interventions applied include:

• Stretching and flexibility exercises to increase elasticity

• Dynamic stability and strengthening

• Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy to reduce pain and increase flexibility

• Electrophysical modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy, and electrotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation

• TECAR for deep tissue heating and to accelerate recovery

Athanasia A.

Mr Danalis is a very thorough professional who gives the necessary attention to the patient and their problem. Most importantly, however, is the quality and effectiveness of the treatment, delivered in a creative and highly productive manner. I recommend him unreservedly.

Erifyli S.

Mr Danalis knows his field very well and dedicates a great deal of personal attention to his patients! He has a positive attitude and has helped me enormously!! I trust him completely and recommend him unreservedly.

Giota S.

He knows his field very well, spent a great deal of time on my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!

To prevent knee pain in chronic conditions, a monthly programme is required that includes:

• Orthopaedic manipulative massage

• A structured exercise programme

More tips for prevention and self-management can be found at the links below:

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

The cost of treatment is not high. Typically, 6 sessions are required, during which the treatment programme is adjusted each time to the patient's current condition. Once symptoms have settled, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any recurrence. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so they can follow it independently, with the option of online supervision at a low cost. The patient has continuous support and communication with the Physiotherapist as needed, to address any difficulties that may arise.

If you have Knee Pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialist advice from a Physiotherapist!

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• Skou ST, Pedersen BK, Abbott JH, Patterson B, Barton C. Physical Activity and Exercise Therapy Benefit More Than Just Symptoms and Impairments in People With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;48(6):439-447. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.7877. Epub 2018 Apr 18. PMID: 29669488.

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Logerstedt DS, Snyder-Mackler L, Ritter RC, Axe MJ, Godges JJ; Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapist Association. Knee stability and movement coordination impairments: knee ligament sprain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Apr;40(4):A1-A37. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2010.0303. PMID: 20357420; PMCID: PMC3158982.

• www.physio-pedia.com - LCL injury

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