Knee Osteoarthritis Relief
Our expert physical therapists can help create a plan to improve symptoms, reduce pain, prevent further injury, and help you return to your normal life through a combination of active and passive treatments.
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What is a Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can affect any joint in the body, but the knee is particularly vulnerable due to the weight-bearing and repetitive movements it endures.
As the cartilage wears down, the bones in the knee joint can begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. In severe cases, bone spurs may also develop, further exacerbating symptoms.
Knee osteoarthritis is more common in older adults, but can also be caused by injury, overuse, or obesity. Treatment options for knee osteoarthritis may include medications, physical therapy, weight loss, and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Do I have Knee Osteoarthritis?
The signs and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary from person to person, but commonly include:
Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis. It may be mild or severe and can occur during or after activity.
Stiffness: The knee joint may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Swelling: The knee joint may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch.
Limited range of motion: The knee may feel like it can't move as freely as it used to, making it difficult to perform certain activities.
Crunching or popping sensations: You may hear or feel a crunching or popping sensation when you move your knee.
Weakness: The muscles around the knee may feel weak, making it difficult to support your body weight.
These symptoms may worsen over time, and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from a chair. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
Physical therapy can be a very effective treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. Here are some ways that physical therapy can help:
Strengthening exercises: A physical therapist can create a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. This can help to support the joint, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
Range of motion exercises: Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises can help to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the knee joint.
Low-impact activities: A physical therapist can recommend low-impact activities, such as cycling or swimming, that can help to improve cardiovascular health and reduce pain.
Education: A physical therapist can educate patients on proper body mechanics, posture, and techniques for performing activities of daily living to reduce stress on the knee joint.
Pain management: Physical therapists can use modalities such as ice, heat, and ultrasound to help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Assistive devices: A physical therapist can recommend assistive devices, such as braces or shoe inserts, to help support the knee joint and reduce pain.
How can Impact Physical Therapy help?
Overall, physical therapy can help to improve function, reduce pain, and slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. A physical therapist can work with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals.
Ready to take control of your knee osteoarthritis? Impact Physical Therapy in Miami, Fl can help!
If you're suffering from knee osteoarthritis, don't wait to seek treatment. Contact our physical therapy clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.