TREATMENT:




Treatment is patient specific
depending on the extent and type
of injury
Treatment should minimize pain,
increase strength and range of
motion, and return patients back
to pre-injury status
Treatment may include:
o Electrical stimulation to
decrease pain and swelling
o Ultrasound- deep
heat/sound treatment
used to treat the muscles
and tendons that are deep
inside
o Manual techniques such as
massage and stretching to
assist with increasing
range of motion
o Stabilization- exercises to
strengthen the muscles
surrounding the knee joint
Surgery is the last resort, but is
sometimes necessary if
traditional physical therapy
treatment is not providing
desired results.
McVay Physical Therapy is located in
Barrington, RI on 114 across from the
Shaws Plaza. We are now handicapped
accessible.
“Smooth Sailing
Towards Less Pain”
On parle francais.
Se hable espanol.
Falo português.
Contact Us at the Following:
147 County Rd. Suite 301A
Barrington, RI 02806
Phone: 401-643-1776
Fax: 401-694-0965
Email:
drmcvay@mcvayphysicaltherapy.com
Website:
www.mcvayphysicaltherapy.com
We accept most insurances: Blue
Cross/Blue Shield, United Health,
Worker’s Comp., Medicare, Tufts,
Aetna, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim
The Knee:
Anatomy and Common
Injuries
ANATOMY:
COMMON KNEE PROBLEMS:
PES ANSERINE BURSITIS:
The bones of the knee, the femur and the
tibia, meet to form a hinge joint.
The joint is protected in front by the
patella (kneecap). The knee joint is
cushioned by articular cartilage that
covers the ends of the tibia and femur.
The lateral and medial menisci are pads
of cartilage that further cushion the
joint, acting as shock absorbers between
the bones. Ligaments help to stabilize the
knee.
PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME (PFS):
Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of
the pes anserine bursa which is located at
the inner aspect of the knee. This bursa
is a fluid filled sac which acts as a
cushion for the tendons of the sartorius,
gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles at
the distal point of insertion on the tibia
(shin bone). Symptoms can include pain,
tenderness and swelling at the inner
aspect of the knee.
The lateral and medial collateral
ligaments (MCL and LCL) run along the
sides of the knee and limit sideways
movement. The anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) connects the tibia to the femur at
the center of the knee. Its function is to
limit rotation and forward motion of the
tibia. The posterior cruciate ligament
(PCL) limits backward motion of the tibia.
.
PFS is the most common cause of chronic
knee pain and is also known as
chondromalacia patella. Abnormal
tracking of the knee cap over the femur
causes inflammation, pain and can also
cause softening of the cartilage on the
underside of the knee cap. The abnormal
tracking is usually in an outward direction
and is most commonly caused by a weak
VMO (the innermost quadriceps muscle)
and having flat feet and/or “knocked”
knees.
ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL)
INJURY:
Meniscal tears are among the most
common knee injuries. Menisci can tear in
different ways, usually due to a twisting
motion and a “pop” may be felt if the
meniscus tears. The most common
symptoms of meniscal tear are pain,
stiffness and swelling, catching or locking
of the knee, sensation of the knee “giving
way” and loss of range of motion.
The ACL is one of the most commonly
injured ligaments of the knee.
Approximately 50 percent of ACL
injuries occur in combination with damage
to the meniscus, articular cartilage, or
other ligaments. The mechanism of injury
is often associated with deceleration
along with cutting, pivoting or
sidestepping maneuvers. After the injury,
patients usually experience pain,
decreased range of motion, swelling and
an unstable feeling in the knee.
Meniscal tears can be identified in the
clinic using special tests such as the
McMurray test, Thessaly test, and Apley
Compression test.
ACL injuries can be identified in the clinic
using special tests such as the Lachman’s
test or Anterior Drawer test. MRI is the
gold standard for diagnosis.
MENISCUS INJURY: