Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Why Knee Pain Is So Common in Faridabad
The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears the most mechanical stress of any joint — up to 5 times your body weight during walking, and 8 times during stair climbing. It's no surprise that knee pain is one of the top three reasons patients visit Realign Rehab Clinic in Faridabad.
Our patient population reflects the range of Faridabad's demographics: young athletes from the sports academies near Sector 21, middle-aged professionals with early osteoarthritis, elderly patients recovering from knee replacement surgery, and industrial workers with occupational overuse injuries.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee
The most common cause in patients over 45. Cartilage — the smooth cushioning surface inside the knee — gradually wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, swelling, and stiffness. OA is graded I–IV; physiotherapy is effective at all grades and can significantly delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement surgery.
Ligament Injuries
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), PCL, MCL, and LCL stabilise the knee. Ligament sprains or tears cause instability, swelling, and pain. ACL injuries are particularly common in sports involving cutting, pivoting, and jumping — football, basketball, badminton. Physiotherapy is essential both for conservative management and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Meniscus Tears
The medial and lateral menisci are C-shaped cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers. Meniscus tears cause pain on the joint line, locking or catching sensations, and swelling. They occur with sudden twisting injuries and also degenerate with age. Many meniscus tears respond well to physiotherapy without surgery.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
Pain around or behind the kneecap (patella), worsened by stairs, squatting, running, and prolonged sitting. Caused by poor patellar tracking due to quadriceps weakness, hip weakness, and biomechanical factors. Excellent physiotherapy outcomes.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Overuse degeneration of the patellar tendon, common in basketball and volleyball players. Progressive loading exercises (eccentric and heavy slow resistance) are the treatment of choice.
IT Band Syndrome
Pain on the outer knee from friction of the iliotibial band against the lateral femoral condyle. Common in runners. Responds well to physiotherapy targeting hip abductor strengthening and running mechanics.
Physiotherapy Assessment for Knee Pain
Our assessment for knee pain is comprehensive and takes 45–60 minutes:
- Detailed history: mechanism of injury, aggravating and relieving factors, previous treatment
- Gait analysis: identifying biomechanical contributors (foot pronation, hip drop, knee valgus)
- Muscle strength testing: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, hip abductors
- Joint range of motion and end-feel assessment
- Special orthopaedic tests: Lachman's, McMurray's, Thessaly's, Clarke's, Ober's
- Review of X-ray or MRI findings where available
Physiotherapy Treatment
Strengthening
Weak quadriceps are the single most important modifiable risk factor for knee OA progression. We prescribe progressive strength programmes: straight leg raises, mini squats, step-ups, leg press, and terminal knee extension. Hip strengthening (glutes, abductors) is equally important — hip weakness causes knee valgus that accelerates cartilage damage.
Manual Therapy
Patellofemoral mobilisation improves patellar tracking. Tibiofemoral mobilisation restores joint mobility after injury or surgery. Soft tissue techniques address tightness in the IT band, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf.
Hydrotherapy
For severely painful or post-operative knees, aquatic physiotherapy reduces joint loading while allowing effective exercise. Available for appropriate patients.
Taping
McConnell taping corrects patellar alignment and provides immediate pain relief for patellofemoral syndrome. Kinesio taping reduces swelling and supports the joint during rehabilitation.
Book Your Knee Pain Assessment in Faridabad
Don't let knee pain limit your independence or activity. At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our evidence-based knee physiotherapy programmes have helped hundreds of patients return to full activity. Book your free consultation today.