What causes Knee Pain?
Pain can occur in the knee from diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation within a joint.
The causes of knee joint inflammation range from non inflammatory types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration of the cartilage of the knee, to inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Swelling of the knee joint from arthritis can lead to a localized collection of fluid accumulating in a cyst behind the knee. This is referred to as a Baker cyst and is a common cause of pain at the back of the knee.
Treatment of the arthritis is directed according to the nature of the specific type of arthritis. Many people suffer from arthritis; the pain and discomfort can be so limiting that some patients may require a total knee joint replacement.
Treating Knee Pain with Osteopathy
Knee pain due to inflammation is generally treated with ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin and may require local injections of cortisone medication. Exercise therapy to develop the musculature of the front of the thigh is commonly prescribe. Manual therapy, such as osteopathy can be helpful at reducing any muscle tightness and joint stiffness that may be contributing to the knee pain. Your osteopath is trained to be able to identify the exact cause of the problem and direct you to the most appropriate form of treatment.
Most private health insurance companies cover Osteopathy for Knee Pain. We recommend contacting your medical insurance company to clarify the terms and conditions of your policy.
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For advice regarding Osteopathy for Knee Pain call 9329 7077 or
