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Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Bend It?

The human body is a fascinating and often confusing series of interconnected systems. Although it allows us to experience the many joys of life through sensory experiences and the like, it can also be the cause of long-term suffering as our bodies change, age, and degrade through lives well-lived. 

Maintaining our bodies often requires a certain level of education and understanding, as diet, exercise, and healthy living all play important roles. Below we look at some of the potential reasons for you to experience knee pain, and afterwards, we examine how to treat it effectively.  

 

Potential Reasons for Your Calgary Knee Pain

knee-pain-calgary

Baker’s Cysts

We have previously discussed Baker’s Cysts and what causes them, but this is a very likely scenario for knee pain in Calgary. If you feel a distinct swelling behind your knee accompanied by joint stiffness or an inability to flex the knee fully, you should consider seeking medical advice. 

Knee Injury

Knee injuries that are long-standing or have recently occurred can both cause discomfort or pain in the affected area. Knee injuries will often be the result of an individual’s choice or lifestyle, so determining if this is the cause of your knee pain may involve considering your medical history. 

Torn Ligament

Ligaments are fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to one another. Overstretching, injuries, and deteriorating conditions can all cause tears in the ligament. Although the length and design of ligaments allow them to tear in any place along their length, if you feel pain around your knee, a tear may be the underlying cause.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects many people every day. Although there are several causes of osteoarthritis, it often occurs as a result of the aging process. You can expect swelling and stiffness to accompany the dull aching pain in your knee if this is the cause.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a condition that affects the tendons in your body. Tendons, like ligaments, are fibrous connective tissue, but they link muscles to the bone. As the knee is a rather dynamic joint, there are several tendons that connect to it. Therefore, the Calgary knee pain you feel may involve your hamstring (behind the knee), quadricep (in front of the knee), or patellar (base of the kneecap) tendons. 

Bursitis

Throughout your body are many fluid-filled sacs called bursa. These bursas are responsible for providing padding between your muscles, tendons, skin, and bones. Several factors may negatively affect bursas, such as diabetes, gout, and infections. When they are negatively affected, the bursa(s) swell and may cause pain. This is called bursitis. One of the most effective ways to prevent bursitis is by reducing the number of repetitive motions you do daily and taking regular breaks.

 

How to Treat Calgary Knee Pain

There are many different ways to treat your knee pain effectively. These may include: 

The RICE Method

The RICE method is an effective way to treat many ongoing aches and pains associated with growing older, previous injuries, and living a low-activity lifestyle. Below is a basic overview of the steps involved:

  • Rest– avoid placing weight on the knee and take time to heal
  • Ice– Wrap ice in a bag or cloth and apply to the knee for 20 minutes or so
  • Compress– Wrap the knee with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Remember, snug, not tight
  • Elevate– Elevate the knee by placing it higher than the heart

Consulting a Physiotherapist

The most effective way to treat your Calgary knee pain is by consulting with a physiotherapist. Our training and expertise with effective body movement and muscle groups give us the perspective and information necessary to successfully treat your aches, pains, and persistent issues. This may include applying heat, massage, and other powerful healing techniques.

Low-impact Activities

Sometimes it can help to alleviate stress and pain in your joints by reducing your activity levels for a period of time. Low-impact activities that do not require a lot of dynamic movement or excessive exercise can give your body time to heal. 

Anti-inflammatory Medication

There are several types of medication that are effective in reducing the pain of inflammation and swelling to provide effective relief for your knee pain. Most of these medications are over-the-counter, so consult your pharmacist to decide on the right option for you.

Welcome to Brentwood Physiotherapy, your trusted Calgary physiotherapy clinic. For the past 16 years, our experienced physiotherapists have been treating individuals suffering from acute to chronic conditions, with one goal: to address the core cause of their pain and put them on the road to recovery. Get back on the path to a healthier you by contacting Brentwood Physiotherapy today at 403-282-8050

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