Treating Knee Pain

Knee pain can be mild during certain movements, or unbearable even at rest. For an accurate assessment, it is important to determine whether the pain is brought on by movement, which specific movements trigger it, how long it takes to subside, or whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is night pain and how long it lasts. Knee pain may have the following characteristics:

• Sharp

• Knife-like

• Like a blow

• Burning

• Like an electric shock

• Superficial

• Deep

• Mild

• Dull

• Constant

• Intermittent

When knee pain appears, the immediate measures we take are:

• Resting the leg and avoiding the activity that triggers the pain

• Resting with the leg elevated, on a chair or pillow

• Applying ice to the knee, over the painful area, for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day (the ice should be wrapped in a towel)

• Gentle stretches of the hip, knee, and foot to maintain the flexibility of the leg

Assessment by the Physiotherapist is essential in order to identify the affected structures and to rule in or out the coexistence of other pathological conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as:

• Patellar Tendinopathy

• Patellofemoral Syndrome

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

• Medial or Lateral Collateral Ligament Rupture

• PosteroLateral Corner Injury

• PosteroMedial Corner Injury

• Meniscus Tear

The assessment by Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapist Mr. Konstantinos Danalis is carried out through a detailed case history, the performance of clinical tests, and the trial treatment that follows.

The priority is to reduce the pain, which in some patients can be extremely acute. This is achieved through a combination of treatment options, such as specialised massage and the application of electrotherapy, which will reduce the pain in every case. Mobilisation of the joint with specialised exercises then follows. Gradually, as range of motion increases, strengthening, balance, and proprioception exercises are introduced. The interventions applied are:

• Stretches and stretching exercises to increase flexibility

• Dynamic stability and strengthening

• Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapy to reduce pain and increase flexibility

• Electrophysical Modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy, and electrotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation

• TECAR for deep heating of the tissues and to speed up recovery

Athanasia A.

Mr. Danalis is a thoroughly professional practitioner who gives the necessary attention to the patient and to their problem. Most important of all, however, is the quality and effectiveness of the treatment, delivered in a creative and, above all, productive way. I recommend him without reservation.

Erifyli S.

Mr. Danalis knows his field very well and devotes himself personally and intensively to his patient! He has a positive attitude and has helped me a great deal!! I trust him completely and recommend him without reservation.

Giota S.

He knows his field very well, spent a long time on my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!

To prevent knee pain in chronic conditions, a monthly programme is required that includes:

• Orthopaedic manual massage

• A structured exercise programme

More advice on prevention and self-management for patients can be found at the links below:

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

• Recommendations for Patients by the American Physical Therapy Association

The cost of treatment is not high. Usually 6 sessions are needed, in which the treatment programme is adapted each time to the patient's current condition. Once the symptoms have subsided, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any relapses. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so that they can follow it on their own, but there is also the option of online supervision at a low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with the Physiotherapist, in order to overcome any difficulties.

If you have Knee Pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialised advice from the Physiotherapist!

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Logerstedt DS, Snyder-Mackler L, Ritter RC, Axe MJ, Godges JJ; Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapist Association. Knee stability and movement coordination impairments: knee ligament sprain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Apr;40(4):A1-A37. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2010.0303. PMID: 20357420; PMCID: PMC3158982.

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