When It’s Time to do Something About Knee Pain - Moving On to a Better Life

 

“Houston, we have a problem”.

Okay, it’s a classically misquoted line due to the 1995 movie Apollo 13 and should be “Okay Houston, we’ve had a problem here” originally spoken by command module pilot Jack Swigert.

I love the expression due to its highly ironic understatement. There had, after all, been a catastrophic explosion on board the spacecraft that threatened the lives of all three astronauts aboard.

For me it’s an expression I use when I finally accept that something is wrong and it’s usually associated with my health! I’m a bit of an old denier when it comes to my health as perhaps many people are.

My wife heard me utter the misquoted line recently when I finally accepted that I had a problem with my knee. Knee joint treatment is something that you can delay while you attempt a lifestyle change that may solve the issue but more often than not professional help is required if things don’t clear up fast.

Knees are something that can go at any age so they are not just something that older people have problems with, the young especially active sports-wise person can be highly susceptible to knee problems.

As with the astronauts, it’s important to understand when there is a problem and when professional physiotherapy may be required to get you back on your feet, okay knees!

Here are some of the warning signs:

Dull or sharp pain in the knee joint - not a momentary twinge but something that persists.

Another is stiffness or swelling around or below the knee.

When your range of motion is limited, you hear clicking or popping noises when you move your knee or when you have difficulty bearing weight that normally would not be a problem then it is usually time to seek professional help.

So what are the main causes of knee trouble?

The first is ACL injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament - often heard in football broadcasts as it affects players at any level - is a major knee ligament that stabilises the joint. It is often caused by sudden stops and is associated with sports. For me it was squash.

Bursitis is another source of problems. This can be a reason for pain in the lower back but is more commonly associated with knees. It occurs when small fluid-filled sacs surrounding the knee joint become inflamed due to repetitive motion or prolonged pressure.

Again sports or the old enemy - time - may cause this.

The third reason is arthritis which can affect both the young and old contrary to popular misconception. This is a degenerative condition that affects many joints reducing mobility as cartilage breaks down around bones admittedly usually due to age.

One thing is for certain. Don’t wait for “Houston” if you are having difficulty walking, standing or even sitting.

Accept there is a problem and consult a professionally trained physiotherapist today.