Our doctors are leading experts in knee pain treatment and knee injury recovery. Knee pain sufferers throughout New York City rely on Manhattan Sports Therapy for relief, recovery, and rehabilitation. Using a blend of diagnostic expertise, physical therapy, and chiropractic care, our doctors skillfully restores pain-free knee function.
- What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain is the result of improper function or damage to the cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the knee. Knee pain is common in athletes who put great strain on their legs and knee joints like skiers and basketball players. Injury, wear and tear, or medical problems can occur from overuse or imbalances in other areas of the body. Previous injury, excessive weight, high impact sports. Labor-intensive occupations can also lead to knee problems. And even when knee injury does not occur, years of overuse can result in knee pain.
- How Do You Relieve Knee Pain?
If you suffer from knee pain, try the following self-care measures at home:
- Rest your knee and do gentle stretches to keep the muscle strong and flexible.
- Apply ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
- Wear a compression sleeve or knee brace to keep your knee stable.
- Use a walking aid to take stress on your knees.
- Take over-the-counter pain relieves to ease pain and inflammation like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Adjust your sleeping position, by either placing a pillow under or between for legs.
- What Are The Symptoms Of Knee Pain?
Knee pain is present in different areas: back and front of the knee pain, on the sides of the knee, or inside the knee. Severe pain, when running, walking, going up and downstairs, or even while sitting, are all common concerns. Other signs and symptoms of knee pain include:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth
- Weakness or instability
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sounds with bending
- Inability to straighten or bend the knee
- Locking sensation
- When Should I See A Doctor For Knee Pain?
Schedule an appointment with a doctor about your knee pain if you:
- Can’t bear weight on your knee
- Feel unstable on your knee
- Have a knee injury with significant swelling and redness
- Have knee pain that persists even after rest and medication
- Have pain that affects your day-to-day like getting dressed or sleeping
- What Happens If Knee Pain Goes Untreated?
Untreated minor knee pain or injury may go away but will likely return and lead to increasing pain, damage, and disability. The pain may come and go for years if left untreated. Seeking treatment will help prevent a one-time injury from becoming an all-the-time pain.
- What’s The Best Treatment For Knee Pain?
Minor knee pain is best treated with self-care measures like resting and applying ice.
Physical therapy can help relieve more serious pain. Stretching and strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and other adjoining muscles. Leg movements and exercises will help stabilize the knee and improve its balance. In more severe cases, your knee may need surgical repair. Pre- and post-surgery patients will go through rehab treatment to speed their recovery.
Dr. Miro uses the following research-based sports medicine treatments to restore knee function:
- Acupuncture
- Active Release Technique® (ART)
- Cold-Laser Light Therapy
- Graston Technique®
- Joint Support Taping
- Kinesiology Taping
- Muscle Stretching and Strength Training
- Soft Tissue Treatment
- How Long Does Knee Pain Last?
Recovering from knee pain depends on your condition and the extent of the damage to your knee. People heal at different rates. With proper rest and care, knee pain may subside in about 1 to 3 weeks but can come back if strained or overused. Complete healing from more serious injuries can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months. If knee pain persists, see a doctor for a consultation.
- Can You Prevent Knee Pain Or Injury?
While knee pain and injury are not completely avoidable. The following suggestions may help reduce your risk:
- Proper stretching before and after exercise will help strengthen the muscles around your knee. We know it’s easy to skip stretching, but it’s an important part of injury prevention.
- Stability and balancing exercises will improve your knee strength
- Low-impact sports like swimming, biking, or Pilates
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure and strain on your knees
- Support your feet by wearing supportive shoes and cushioned insoles
- When Should I Wear A Brace For Knee Pain?
You can wear a knee brace during sports, exercising, or after an injury or surgery to protect and stabilize your knee. There are many types of knee braces for different levels of knee support. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which knee brace is best for your specific condition and how to put it on correctly.
- How Long Should I Wear A Brace For Knee Pain?
Wear a knee brace as directed by your doctor or physical therapist. Some are worn all day or during physical activity, either way make sure to wear the proper brace for specific activities. Some people wear knee braces while they sleep, but we suggest you check with your doctor before doing so. Stop using a knee brace use if you experience:
- Discomfort
- Lack of pain relief
- Poor fit
- Skin irritation
- Top 14 Common Types/Causes of Knee Injuries and Problems:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament/ACL Tear Injury Therapy
- Baker’s Cyst
- Chondromalacia Patellae or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Dislocated Knee Cap
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
- Knee Bursitis
- Knee Locking
- Knee osteoarthritis or arthritis
- Knee sprain or knee strain
- Knee Tendonitis or Patellar Tendonitis
- Plica Syndrome
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament/PCL Tear Injury Therapy
- Post-Surgical Rehab/Physical Therapy
- Torn Meniscus Therapy
If you are interested in learning more about Knee Pain Treatment in NYC, please contact Manhattan Sports Therapy to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miro for a knee injury evaluation and treatment plan that is personalized to you.