Knee Pain: Causes, Treatment & When Physiotherapy Can Help
Knee pain is incredibly common, especially after the age of 40. Whether it is a sharp pain when climbing stairs, stiffness first thing in the morning, or a constant ache that limits your activities, knee problems can significantly impact your quality of life.
The good news? In many cases, physiotherapy can effectively treat knee pain and help you avoid surgery. At Premcare, our physiotherapists treat knee conditions at home across Lagos.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
- Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common cause of knee pain in adults over 40. The cartilage that cushions the joint gradually wears away, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a rubbery disc that cushions your knee. It can tear during twisting movements, squatting, or even just getting older.
- Ligament Injuries: ACL, MCL, and other ligament injuries are common in sports and accidents. They cause instability, swelling, and pain.
- Patellofemoral Syndrome: Pain around the kneecap, often called "runner's knee." Common in people who are physically active or who sit for long periods with bent knees.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often from overuse or sudden increase in activity.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint.
Can Physiotherapy Really Help Knee Pain?
Yes. Research consistently shows that physiotherapy is as effective as surgery for many common knee conditions, including:
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis — physiotherapy can delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement
- Meniscus tears — many can be treated conservatively with physiotherapy
- Post-surgical rehabilitation — essential after ACL reconstruction or knee replacement
- Patellofemoral pain — responds very well to targeted exercises
How We Treat Knee Pain at Home
Our home-based knee rehabilitation program includes:
- Strengthening Exercises: Building the muscles around your knee (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes) to support and protect the joint.
- Range of Motion Work: Gentle exercises to restore full bending and straightening of the knee.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness, improve joint mobility, and decrease pain.
- Balance Training: Improving stability to prevent falls and re-injury.
- Activity Modification: Advice on modifying your daily activities and exercise routine to protect your knee while staying active.
- Weight Management Guidance: Every kilogram of body weight puts approximately 4 kilograms of force on your knee. We discuss practical approaches to weight management.
When to Seek Help for Knee Pain
See a physiotherapist if:
- Your knee pain has lasted more than 2 weeks
- You have swelling that does not go down
- Your knee locks, clicks, or gives way
- You cannot fully bend or straighten your knee
- Knee pain is stopping you from walking, working, or sleeping
- You have been told you need knee surgery and want to explore alternatives
Get expert knee pain treatment at home — book via WhatsApp or call +234 802 333 1387.
