Knee pain
The knee is the most heavily loaded joint in the body. Whether the cause is ligamentous, meniscal, arthritic, or post-surgical, knee rehabilitation relies on progressive strengthening of the muscles that stabilize the joint.
Common causes
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Meniscal injury
- ACL sprain
- Patellofemoral syndrome (pain in front of the knee)
- Post-surgical recovery (replacement, arthroscopy)
- Sports overuse
Common symptoms
- Pain when walking or climbing stairs
- Joint swelling
- Sense of instability or giving way
- Locking or catching in the knee
- Stiffness after staying still
When to see a doctor
- Significant rapid swelling after a trauma
- Inability to put weight on the foot
- Complete locking in flexion or extension
- Severe pain with fever
- Visible joint deformity
Tips to get started
Ice the knee for 15 minutes after exercises if it swells
Strengthen the quadriceps and hip muscles
Avoid impact exercises early on
Train proprioception (single-leg balance)
Let pain — not impatience — guide your progression
Tailored rehabilitation program
8 weeks, 4 phases, adapted to your pain. Designed by licensed physical therapists.