Knee Pain

Diagnosis/Definition

• Knee pain, instability or loss of motion related to a specific traumatic event.

Initial Diagnosis and management

• History (special attention to mechanism of injury) and physical examination.
• Radiographs to rule out fractures.
• Obvious fracture, instability, or motor disruption:  refer (see below).
• Initial exam may be difficult due to pain and/or significant effusion.
• In these cases, treat w/ice and compression for 4-14 days and re-assess.
• Exercises should be initiated immediately to prevent loss of muscle tone and bulk (*consult PT for instruction and/or supervision of exercises).

Ongoing Management and Objective

• Repeat examination at 4 to 14 days for more definitive physical evaluation.
• Medial or lateral collateral ligament strains (w/o instability):  treat with bracing, activity limitations and appropriate knee rehabilitation exercises.  Treat for 6-8 weeks.
• MRI if effusion or other symptoms persist beyond 6-8 weeks.

Indication a profile is needed

• Any limitations that affect strength, range of movement, and efficiency of feet, legs, lower back and pelvic girdle.
• Slightly limited mobility of joints, muscular weakness, or other musculo-skeletal defects that may prevent moderate marching, climbing, timed walking, or prolonged effect.
• Defects or impairments that require significant restriction of use.