11/13/2011 0 Comments Defining Knee Pain - by Brent DodgeAll too often, I hear patients tell me that the pain in their knee must be from arthritis. Then they explain what makes their pain worse, which often defines that their pain is not from arthritis but more likely from other causes. For example, I got a letter from my cousin, who was told her knee pain was from arthritis. After she explained her symptoms, it was clear she was dealing with the pain from a knee cap issue . . . and not solely from knee arthritis. Here’s what my cousin emailed to me: I was wondering if you can recommend something for my knee. I have been diagnosed with early stages of arthritis. It has been bugging me for over two years, and now it hurts to go down stairs. I have been doing a lot of hiking and have lost thirty pounds hoping that would help! Are there any exercises, supplements, or a brace that will help heal or prevent more issues? ******** Here’s my reply: From what you’re telling me about your symptoms, I get the feeling the issue isn’t arthritis but more likely a knee cap tracking issue (called Patellofemoral Tracking Dysfunction). This can be easily corrected with a special sleeve that you wear on your knee called a “patellofemoral brace.” If I’m right, and you were able to get the right help (to include a knee brace like I mentioned), you’d likely be able to resume your activities without pain. From a clinical standpoint, the exercises are a bit complex to describe in an email. Let me point you in the direction of two documents. One is on knee cap problems. The other is on knee arthritis. Read through them, and let me know which seems to fit your situation the best. The approaches are quite different for the two conditions. 1. Knee cap problems 2. Knee osteoarthritis Once I know your answer as to which one fits the best, I will be better able to guide you. ******* Her reply after reading these two articles made it clear that her pain was coming from problems with her knee cap. Along with having her increase fish oil intake to 2,000 mg per day, I advised her to purchase a Kuhl Shields knee brace. ![]() To order one online, Google Kuhl Knee Brace.” You’ll then need to measure the circumference of your knee by putting a dot on the middle of your knee cap. Wrap a soft tape measure all the way around your knee. If it’s 12 to 14 inches around, order a small. If it’s a 14 to 16 inches, you’ll need to order a medium. For 16 to 18 inches, you need a large. And for 18 to 20 inches, order an XL. You don’t need to specify left or right. They are interchangeable from left to right. Wear the brace during heavier activities, such as hiking, mowing the lawn, or doing any other form of climbing. It is also advisable that you work with physical therapist to gain instruction on specific exercises that can speed recovery from knee pain.
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Brent Dodge is the founding owner of Alpine Physical Therapy and is a board certified orthopedic specialist. He holds additional certifications in Functional Dry Needling, Manual Physical Therapy, and Strength and Conditioning. CategoriesAll Alpine Physical Therapy Alpine Soccer Team Alpine Softball Alzheimer's Disease American Cancer Society Ana Soulia Angela Listug Vap Angela Listug-Vap Ankle Sprains Antara Quinones Aquatics Audrey Elias Back Pain Balance Biking Boston Marathon Brace Hayden Brent Dodge Cancer CDC Certified Chiropractic Climbing Concussion CoreAlign Core Studio Crossfit Dance Medicine Dennis McCrea Diabetes Diane Cummins Diva Day Dr. Liz Walker Eating Emily Jones Ergonomics Events Excercises Fall Prevention Fall Prevention Awareness Day Fishing Fitness Fit To Fight Foot Pain Functional Dry Needling Gary Gales Golf Good Food Store Headaches Health Her Health Hiking Hip Pain Jamie Terry Jeannette Kittredge Jessica Kehoe Jonathan Hoffman's Foundation Training Josie Sweeney Kayla Johnson Kerri Houck Knee Pain Kristi Moore Leah Versteegen Lindsy Campbell Linsey Olson Low Back Pain LYMPHEDEMA Mary Mischke Matt Schweitzer MISA Missoula Marathon Missoula's Choice Moms Montana Geriatric Society Morgan York Singer Morgan York-Singer MT Alpha Cycling National Cancer Institute National Falls Awareness Neck Pain Oncology Rehab Program Pain Pamela Pack Peak Health & Wellness Center Peak Triathlon Pelvic Pain Physical Therapy Physical Therapy (Journal) Pilates Primal Practice Relay For Life Resources Roger Sperry Ron Clijsen Ron Veilleux Runner's Edge Running Samantha Glaes Sam Schmidt Sarah McMillan Shoulder Pain Sitting Skiing Skye Folsom Soccer Spine Magazine Spine Rehab Sports STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents Tai Chi Tamarack Brewing Company Tara Mund The Runner's Clinic Tips Travis Dye Ultrasound Imaging University Of Montana Urinary Incontinence Walking Wellness Wellness Program Westside Dance Physical Therapy Who Is Perfect? Women's Health Archives
November 2018
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