Whether you’re an athlete, someone who works a physical job or a retiree looking to stay active, knee pain can have a severe effect on your ability to function. Since we use our knees to accomplish pretty much any movement, if you can’t bend your knee without feeling pain, you might find yourself immobilized quickly. Minor knee problems can usually improve with minimal rest and treatment, but if pain persists for a few days or longer, it’s time to seek treatment. 

To help you better understand the potential causes of your knee pain and be more engaged with the diagnostic and treatment process, we’re sharing the following guide. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Potential causes of knee pain when bending

Patients who can’t bend their knee without experiencing pain are often diagnosed with one of these conditions: 

1. Muscle strains — The muscles around the knee can become tight and strained, actually making it painful to bend. 
2. Arthritis — Breakdown of knee cartilage and the drying out of lubricating joint fluid can cause joint inflammation and associated stiffness and pain. 
3. Meniscal injuries — The meniscus is a pad of cartilage that cushions the knee and can become easily torn or sprained due to high-impact physical activities. 
4. MCL or ACL injuries — The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are important pieces of connective tissue that allow the knee to function. Strains and sprains caused by strenuous activities can occur that make it painful to bend the knee. 
5. Runner’s knee — Running and other sports can lead to inflammation of the cartilage under the kneecap, causing pain during normal knee movement. 

For nearly any type of knee injury, physical therapy can be a highly effective form of treatment. 

Physical therapy for knee pain relief

With a combination of treatments, including therapeutic exercises, stability training and manual therapies, the expert therapists at Rehab Access can help you overcome knee injuries to return to a healthy and active lifestyle. We believe in individualized treatment plans that are custom-designed for each patient based on their current state of health and treatment goals. 

To learn more and schedule your initial appointment, contact us today.