Knee Pain Therapy in North Dakota and Wisconsin

Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. Because you use your knees so much, they are vulnerable to injury. Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a pain specialist or a doctor. Most knee problems can be prevented or treated with simple measures like exercise or training programs, while others may require surgery.

If you’re struggling with knee pain in North Dakota or Wisconsin, don’t hesitate to contact Optimum Therapies to meet with a dedicated physical therapist. Call your preferred location directly to get started, or schedule a secure virtual consultation.

A Closer Look at Your Knee

Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body. Your knee helps to join your thigh bone to the shin bones and your kneecap. Your knee also contains cartilage to help your knee move smoothly acting as shock absorbers for your body.

Because there are so many complex parts of the knee, it can often be at risk for pain or injury.

You may also be at increased risk for knee pain if you:

Are overweight and put increased stress on your knee joints.
Lack muscle flexibility or strength to help stabilize and protect your joints.
Participate in contact sports or activities with jumping or turning.
Have a physically demanding job with long hours on your feet..
Have suffered from a previous knee injury.

What are Common Causes of Knee Pain?

Like any other joint, there are many things that can cause knee pain. Some knee pain can occur from an acute injury or overworking the joint. Other knee pain can begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse.

Some common causes of knee pain include:

Strain or sprain – Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twisting.
Dislocation of the kneecap.
Bursitis – Inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse, or injury.
Fracture of the kneecap or other bones.
IT band syndrome – Injury to the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee.
Patellofemoral syndrome – Pain from your kneecap putting too much pressure on your large thigh bone (femur).
Torn ligament – An ACL or MCL injury can cause bleeding into your knee, swelling, and an unstable knee.
Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear) – Pain felt along the joint line, may present with clicking or catching.

Which Medical Conditions Cause Knee Pain?

Knee pain may also be caused by medical conditions such as:

Arthritis -Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout.
Baker cyst – A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may occur with swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis.
Cancers – Those that either spread to your bones or begin in the bones.
Infection in the bones or joint of the knee.

What Can I Do to Relieve Knee Pain?

Sometimes rest is all our knee needs to get back to normal function. Other times, it can be more serious and require a therapist’s attention.

We are specially trained to help you with your knee pain, but some things you can do at home will also aid you in your recovery. Simple causes of knee pain can clear up on their own while you take steps to manage your symptoms. If knee pain won’t go away, or is caused by an accident or injury, you should contact Optimum Therapies.

If your knee pain is not severe, you can:

Rest and avoid activities that cause pain.
Avoid putting weight on your knee.
Apply ice 2-3x a day for 10-15 minutes. Cover your knee with a towel before applying ice. Do not fall asleep while using ice or leave it on too long.
Keep your knee raised as much as possible to bring down any swelling.
Wear an elastic bandage or sleeve to provide some compression and decrease swelling and provide support.
Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.
Take medication
- Ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and swelling.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain, but not swelling.
- Talk to a specialist before taking these medicines if you have medical problems, or if you have taken them for more than a day or two.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

We are specially trained to assist you with your knee pain and help you get back to normal functioning.

We can talk about your concerns and work with you to set up a treatment plan that works for you. If physical therapy is not what you need, we can also help advise you regarding other specialties or surgeries that may be necessary.

Schedule a consultation with Optimum Therapies if:

You cannot bear weight on your knee.
You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight.
Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks.
You cannot flex your knee or have trouble straightening it all the way out.
You still have pain after three days of home treatment.

Schedule a consultation with your primary doctor immediately if:

Your knee is deformed or misshapen.
You have a fever, redness, or warmth around the knee.
You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee.

How Can Knee Pain Be Treated?

We have many options to help get you the relief you need. Knee pain can limit your mobility, your self-esteem, and the quality of your life.

If you’ve been dealing with knee pain, we can visit with you to get you the relief you need.

A specialist with Optimum Therapies will perform a physical exam and closely look at your knee. You will be asked questions to help your therapist understand your knee problem.

We may see you for other visits to discuss your successes, setbacks, and your plan for full relief moving forward.

How Can I Avoid Future Knee Injuries?

Follow these general tips to help relieve and prevent knee pain:

Always warm up before exercising
Stretch muscles
Cool down after exercising
Wear proper footwear when exercising
Reduce the amount of exercise you do for a few days or weeks
Run on a smooth, soft surface, such as a track, instead of on cement or pavement
Lose weight if you are overweight
Modify activities that include jumping or put extra stress on your knee
Get help with flat feet or try shoe inserts

Why Choose Us?

We are committed to your peace of mind. Pain can be an all-consuming problem, and we can help get you on your way to living free of knee pain.

We are qualified in the latest research and treatment options. We value you and know you come to us with great trust. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment in North Dakota or Wisconsin, or schedule a secure virtual appointment.