Experiencing sharp knee pain in your kneecap that won’t go away? Knee pain can be a frustrating experience, especially when it persists for an extended period of time. The pain may be distracting and limit your ability to engage in everyday activities. If you are experiencing sharp pain in your kneecap, finding treatment that works is essential. When it comes to treatment options, physical therapy is an excellent option. Physical therapists are equipped to offer specialized treatment for a variety of painful knee conditions. To learn how physical therapy can benefit you, it can help to learn more about some of the conditions that could be causing your pain. Understanding the common causes of sharp pain in the kneecap and their symptoms can empower you to take the next step in seeking treatment that is right for you.
Common causes of sharp pain in the kneecap
- Tendinitis — Tendons are cords of tough but flexible tissue that can be found throughout the body. Serving as connective tissue between muscles and bones, tendons play an essential role in many different movements. Even simple activities like bending your leg would become practically impossible without the help of your tendons. When a tendon gets inflamed through stress and overuse, it results in a condition called tendinitis. The kind of tendinitis that typically causes sharp pain in the kneecap is called patellar tendinitis. Another common name for patellar tendinitis is jumper’s knee because it is often caused by strenuous activities like running and jumping. If you have patellar tendinitis, you might experience symptoms like pain, swelling and stiffness. Fortunately, relief is available in the form of physical therapy. Physical therapy treatments like dry needling can be great for reducing inflammation and pain.
- Runner’s knee — Feeling sharp pain around your kneecap that gets worse when moving? The cause could be runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Runner’s knee occurs when the cartilage behind the kneecap is damaged through overuse or injury. To address your runner’s knee, your physical therapist can prescribe targeted strengthening exercises. Regaining strength in your knee is a great way to build stability around the kneecap and reduce the risk of future injury. Another important part of runner’s knee recovery is getting adequate rest. Using your injured knee too much can make your symptoms worse and hinder your recovery. With the help of your physical therapist, you can address your runner’s knee and experience long-term relief.
- Ligament injury — Ligaments in the knee are crucial for stability. When they get injured, you may experience sharp pain in your kneecap, among other symptoms. One of the most well-known knee ligament injuries is the ACL tear. The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is located around the center of the knee. It works to keep the shin and thigh separated. After an ACL tear, common symptoms include swelling, stiffness and bruising. Sharp pain in the kneecap is also typical. ACL tears are often sports injuries — someone playing a high-impact sport is more likely to make the sudden stressful movements that tend to cause ACL tears. PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) tears are another common but less well-known knee injury. If you have experienced any kind of knee ligament injury, receiving professional treatment is vital. Getting top-notch care from someone who understands your condition can help ensure an optimal outcome. Physical therapists can offer a range of innovative techniques to get you back on your feet. With personalized physical therapy treatment, you can work toward recovery.
- Synovial plica syndrome — The synovial plicae are folds of connective tissue in the knee. When this tissue is affected by a sudden injury or gradual overuse, it can cause painful inflammation. This condition is called synovial plica syndrome. Your physical therapist can help address the root cause of this condition with anti-inflammatory treatments. Special physical therapy stretches and hands-on manual therapy techniques can have a big impact on your inflammation.
Border Therapy Services can help address the sharp pain in your kneecap
Identifying the underlying cause of your pain is the first step toward effective treatment. At Border Therapy Services, we are dedicated to helping each patient through every step of their recovery journey. After a comprehensive assessment, we will treat your condition with specialized techniques tailored to your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you experience long-term relief from the sharp pain in your kneecap.
Call us or request an appointment today to get treatment for the sharp pain in your kneecap.