Most Common Knee Conditions

  • Torn ACL

    The ACL is a ligament that stabilizes the knee. It restricts the forward movement of the leg against the thigh. It also helps maintain the alignment of the joint.

    Torn ACL leads to knee instability. Complete tears won’t heal. If left untreated, the knee joint can wear out fast.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Popping sensation during injury.
    • 2.   Pain and swelling.
    • 3.   The knee gives way during weight-bearing.
    • 4.   Weaken muscles.
    • 5.   Limited range of motion.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Reduce Pain.
    • 2.   Reduce swelling.
    • 3.   Strengthen quads/VMO & hamstrings muscles.
    • 4.   Use support to help stabilize the joint.
    • 5.   Functional Training.

  • Torn Meniscus

    The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee. It absorbs shock and improves the congruence of the joint.

    A torn meniscus causes pain and swelling. Symptoms increase with weight-bearing and prevent full knee extension. Without treatment, it may worsen and lead to arthritis.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Pain & swelling.
    • 2.   Clicking sensation.
    • 3.   Knee locking.
    • 4.   Increase pain when twisting the knee.
    • 5.   Difficulty walking.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Control the inflammation.
    • 2.   Retrain & strengthen quads muscles.
    • 3.   Stretch hamstrings & calf muscles.
    • 4.   Protect the joint.
    • 5.   Functional training.

  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

    The patella called the knee cap covers the front part of the knee joint. It acts as a pulley to enhance the strength of quadriceps.

    Patellofemoral pain syndrome is an aching pain in the front of the knee due to overuse or injury. It is common among runners and athletes. The patella can also get off track with muscle imbalance that causes pain. If left untreated, it will lead to arthritis.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Aching pain at the knee cap area.
    • 2.   Increase pain with prolonged knee bending.
    • 3.   Increase pain with prolonged weight-bearing.
    • 4.   Difficulty negotiating stairs.
    • 5.   Increase pain squatting.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Reduce pain and spasms.
    • 2.   Stretch tight calf, hamstrings, TFL.
    • 3.   Retrain and strengthen quads/VMO muscles.
    • 4.   Improve patellar tracking.
    • 5.   Gradual increase in exercises.

  • Runner's Knee

    Iliotibial band(ITB) is a fibrous tissue that stabilizes the outer side of the knee.

    Runner’s knee occurs when you overuse ITB from weight-bearing activities or injury. If left untreated, it can result in pain and irritation cycle that hurts the knee cap and the knee.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Knee pain.
    • 2.   Tender to deep pressure @ outer knee area.
    • 3.   Tight TFL.
    • 4.   Weak quads/VMO.
    • 5.   Increase symptoms when running or negotiating stairs.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Control inflammation.
    • 2.   Loosen & stretch ITB.
    • 3.   Strengthen quads/VMO & adductor muscles.
    • 4.   Exercise to mobilize knee.
    • 5.   Progressive functional training.

  • Knee Tendonitis

    The tendons are the soft tissues that connect muscles to bone. The quads & patella tendons are attached to the knee cap. Knee tendonitis is an irritation to the tendons of the knee. It can heal with proper management. If torn, it may need further intervention.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Aching pain at the front of the knee.
    • 2.   Swelling.
    • 3.   Stiffness
    • 4.   Increase pain with deep pressure.
    • 5.   Increase pain with running, jumping, or squatting.

    The Key To Recovery

    • 1.   Control inflammation.
    • 2.   Prevent adhesions in the tendon.
    • 3.   Unload knee activities in the beginning.
    • 4.   Progressive loading of the knee as pain decreases.
    • 5.   Functional Training.