Knee Pain: When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

A sore knee can be frustrating...

Sometimes it is just a little niggle that settles after a few days. Other times, you might notice that stairs are becoming harder, walking is uncomfortable, getting up from a chair is more difficult, or you are starting to avoid activities you enjoy.

And then there is that question:

“Should I just rest it and see how it goes?”

The answer isn't always straightforward. Knee pain can have many different causes, and the right approach depends on what is happening with your knee, how long you have had the symptoms and how they are affecting your everyday life.

When knee pain is worth getting checked

You don't necessarily need to wait until your knee pain becomes severe before seeing a physiotherapist.

It may be worth having it assessed if:

• your pain has been there for a few weeks and isn't improving

• you are finding stairs, walking or getting up from a chair more difficult

• your knee feels stiff, particularly after sitting or first thing in the morning

• you notice swelling

• you feel that your knee is becoming weaker

• you have started avoiding exercise or activities because of your knee

• your knee pain keeps coming back

Sometimes, people adapt around their knee pain without realising it. You may start taking the stairs differently, walking less, putting less weight through one leg or avoiding certain movements.

These changes can gradually affect your strength and confidence as well.

Does knee pain always mean something is damaged?

Not necessarily. This is something We often discuss with our patients.

Pain can be influenced by many things, including changes in the joint, muscle strength, movement patterns, previous injuries, activity levels and how quickly you have increased your activity.

For some people, the knee may have changes visible on an X-ray but relatively little pain. For others, a knee can be quite painful even when there is no obvious major structural problem.

This is why an individual assessment is useful.

Rather than simply treating the painful spot, a physiotherapist can look at how your knee is moving, your strength, your mobility and what activities are aggravating your symptoms.

Should you rest a painful knee?

Rest can sometimes be helpful when your knee has suddenly become irritated, particularly after an injury or a significant increase in activity.

But complete rest is not always the answer. Once your knee is ready, gradually returning to appropriate movement and strengthening can be an important part of recovery.

The key is finding the right level of activity for your knee at that point in time.

That might mean modifying your exercise rather than stopping altogether.

For example, instead of giving up walking completely, you may need to temporarily reduce the distance or pace. Instead of stopping all strengthening, you may need to change the exercise or number of repetitions.

What can physiotherapy help with?

Physiotherapy isn't just about hands-on treatment.

Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include:

• education about your knee and what may be contributing to your symptoms

• exercises to improve strength and control

• mobility exercises

• advice on modifying activities

• hands-on treatment where appropriate

• a gradual return to walking, exercise, sport or other activities that matter to you

The goal isn't simply to make your knee feel better for a short period.

It is to help you move with more confidence and get back to the things you want to do.

When should you seek medical attention?

If your knee pain follows a significant injury, or you are unable to put weight through your leg, have significant swelling or deformity, or experience other concerning symptoms, you should seek appropriate medical assessment.

A physiotherapist can also help determine whether your knee is appropriate for physiotherapy management or whether you need further medical investigation.

You don't have to wait until your knee pain is severe

One of the things we often remind patients is that you don't have to wait until pain is stopping you from doing everything you enjoy.

If your knee has been bothering you, affecting your movement or gradually changing what you do each day, it is worth understanding what is going on.

Your knee doesn't have to be “bad enough” before you ask for help.

At BodyBoost Physio, We can assess your knee, discuss your symptoms and goals with you, and develop a treatment and exercise plan that is appropriate for you.

Feel better. Move freer.