Thelwall, Grappenhall & Latchford April 2015 | Page 14

Essential Feature Physiostation Guide to Knee Pain Introduction Knee pain is one of the commonest musculoskeletal complaints. It is particularly common in teenagers and young adults, with as many as 1 in 3 experiencing problems at some time or other. There are many causes for pain around the knee but typically they can be put into one of 2 categories – traumatic (following an injury) or non-traumatic (symptoms have come on without any obvious reason). injury. Please note: If you suspect a bony injury, we would recommend you go to an Accident & Emergency Department for further investigations as soon as possible. Ligament injuries can range from a mild sprain to full rupture. One of the best indicators of the likely severity of the ligament injury is the immediate aftereffects. If you can still put full weight onto your leg and walk or run without difficulty, and there was minimal or no swelling, the chances are you have just mildly sprained your ligaments. If, however, you could not put any weight onto that leg and there was immediate swelling of your knee, you could potentially have sustained more significant ligament injuries which would benefit from early medical opinion. Early management following injury Knee pain following an injury When you’ve been involved in an injury, such as twisting too far, landing awkwardly, being hit by someone or something into the knee, we will most likely suffer some degree of ligament 14 If you think you’ve had a more significant injury, it’s worth getting the opinion of either your GP or a Chartered physiotherapist as soon as is convenient, to ensure you get the right early management, thus giving you the best chance for full recovery. If you suspect a break in one of the bones around the knee, you should go to the Accident & Emergency Department for further investigations as soon as possible. As with any injury, ‘PRICE’ is the Ten issues in Culcheth • Lymm • Great Sankey & Penketh • Chapelford • Stockton Heath & Appleton Thewlwall, Grappenhall & Latchford • Birchwood • Lowton & Golborne • Newton-le-Willows • Warrington Town