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6 treatments that may improve sharp pain in the kneecap

 

 

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Your knees are one of the most essential parts of your body when it comes to movement. They play a critical role in walking, running, jumping and even sitting. The knee is a complex joint, made up of bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage, all working together to allow smooth movement and stability. At the center of the knee is the kneecap, or patella, which acts as a shield for the knee joint and helps improve the efficiency of the quadriceps muscles.

Unfortunately, experiencing a sharp pain in your kneecap can make it hard and uncomfortable to do everyday activities. This type of pain can be due to a variety of causes, and finding the right treatment is key to relieving discomfort and getting back to your daily routine.

Potential causes of sharp pain in the kneecap

There are numerous conditions that can cause you to experience a sharp pain in the kneecap, ranging from a minor injury to chronic diseases. Some potential causes include:

  • Patellar tendinitis — Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendinitis can be caused by overuse of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Repetitive stress can cause inflammation, leading you to experience a sharp pain just below the kneecap.
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS) — PFS is also known as runner’s knee and occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap is irritated or worn down. It can cause pain when you bend your knee or sit for long periods.
  • Knee bursitis — Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs, bursae, that cushion the knee joint become irritated or inflamed. Knee bursitis can cause sharp pain, swelling and tenderness.
  • Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joint, causing sharp pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee. Knee arthritis is also the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 365 million people worldwide.
  • Meniscus tear — The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that helps cushion the thighbone and shinbone. A meniscus tear can occur due to a sudden twist or direct blow to the knee, causing you to experience sharp pain and instability.
  • Ligament injury — The knee is supported by four main ligaments, and an injury to any of them can cause sharp pain in the kneecap. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) are commonly injured during sports or falls.

These are a few possible causes for sharp pain in your kneecap. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe pain, it’s always best to consult with a health care provider.

6 physical therapy treatments for sharp pain in the kneecap

The best treatment approach for sharp pain in the kneecap will depend on the underlying cause. There are a variety of treatments that can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing, including physical therapy. Physical therapy can be an effective way to treat sharp pain in the kneecap. Here are some techniques that your physical therapist may incorporate in your customized treatment plan:

  1. Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist may use a tailored therapeutic exercise routine designed to help strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee. These muscles provide support to the joint and can help reduce pressure on the kneecap. Strengthening these muscles can also improve your overall knee function and reduce pain. Stretching exercises may be used to boost flexibility and prevent stiffness. Over time, therapeutic exercises can help increase your range of motion, making it easier for you to do everyday activities.
  2. Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by your physical therapist to reduce pain, improve mobility and promote healing. One component of manual therapy is joint mobilization, where your physical therapist gently moves your knee joint to improve its range of motion. This can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing stiffness or a limited ability to bend or straighten your knee.
  3. Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Your physical therapist uses specialized stainless steel tools to detect and break up scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and fascia surrounding the knee. The tools are used to glide over the skin, which helps improve blood flow and mobility. This technique can be effective for conditions like patellar tendinitis or chronic knee pain.
  4. Dry needling — Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by certified practitioners to target tight or overactive muscles around the knee. Your physical therapist will manually insert thin, sterile needles into trigger points, specific areas of muscle tension or knots that contribute to pain. By releasing these trigger points, dry needling can promote muscle relaxation and improve overall knee function. You may experience a brief twitch or cramping sensation when the needle reaches a trigger point. However, this is typically followed by pain relief and improved mobility. Dry needling can help treat conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome and patellar tendinitis.
  5. Class IV laser therapy — Class IV laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses focused light energy to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. The laser penetrates deep into the tissue, stimulating cellular repair and boosting blood flow. It can help accelerate healing by increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This treatment can help reduce swelling and pain associated with conditions like arthritis, meniscus tears and ligament injuries.
  6. Shockwave therapy — Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in the affected knee. Your physical therapist will apply a device to your skin that delivers sound waves through the tissue. These waves help break up scar tissue, increase blood flow and promote healing. It can be beneficial for chronic conditions like patellar tendinitis or ligament injuries.

Physical therapy treatments like these can play a crucial role in reducing sharp knee pain and improving your overall health.

Restoring knee health: REPAIR SI’s expertise in treating sharp kneecap pain

At REPAIR SI, we’re dedicated to providing effective physical therapy treatments for sharp pain in the kneecap. Our personalized and comprehensive care plans are tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate and targeted therapies. By using a holistic treatment approach and incorporating other effective conservative treatments, we can help you reduce pain, improve function and promote long-term healing. Our experienced team at REPAIR SI is committed to helping you regain mobility and move more easily.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.