Knee Pain
Knee pain, swelling or a knee that gives way usually comes from runner's knee, a meniscus tear, a ligament sprain such as the ACL, tendinitis or arthritis. Many knee injuries can be rehabbed without surgery, and when surgery is needed, therapy before and after makes a big difference. PAR Physical Therapy treats knee pain in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
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Pain in the front of the knee: runner's knee, jumper's knee and the IT band
Front and outer knee pain is mostly an overload problem.
Runner's knee
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain around or behind the kneecap, worse with knee pain going up stairs, knee pain when squatting, sitting for long or running.
Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)
Pain just below the kneecap from repeated jumping or squatting. Patellar tendinitis responds to tendon loading rather than rest.
IT band syndrome
Pain on the outside of the knee, common with running and cycling. It reflects hip weakness and training load more than a tight band.
Meniscus tears, ligament sprains and ACL tears
Meniscus tear
The meniscus is the cartilage cushion in the knee. A meniscus tear brings joint-line pain, swelling, catching or locking. Many tears do well with rehab.
Ligament sprains
Sprains of the MCL, LCL and PCL are graded from mild to complete. Most are rehabbed with bracing, motion and strength work.
ACL tear
An ACL tear often happens with a pivot or landing, with a pop and swelling. Some people recover without surgery and others need reconstruction. We help you weigh it with your surgeon. See Sports Injury Rehab for return-to-sport work.
Knee arthritis
Wear in the joint causes stiffness and pain that builds. Strengthening is one of the most effective treatments. See arthritis and joint pain.
Treatment for knee pain
Strength, control and load management come first. Equipment is a tool, not the plan.
- Therapeutic exercise and strengthening for the hips, thighs and calves
- Neuromuscular training for landing and cutting control
- Hands-on manual therapy and Dry Needling when it fits
- Taping, including kinesiotaping, to calm pain while you retrain
- Walking and running form review, with a digital home program
Before and after surgery
If you need an ACL reconstruction or a knee replacement, getting stronger first helps. After surgery, we follow your surgeon's protocol. See post-surgical rehab. Knee pain often has hip or foot roots, so also see Hip Pain and foot and ankle pain.
Knee questions
Do I need surgery for a meniscus tear?
Not always. Your therapist examines the knee and tells you if a surgeon's opinion is a good idea. Many tears do well with a good rehab program.
Knee pain care in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic or request an appointment. Same-day appointments are possible, and we accept most insurance plans.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet