Long Arc Quadriceps Exercise: Knee Pain Series
WHAT IS KNEE PAIN?
Pain in or around the knee may indicate a condition affecting the knee joint itself or the soft tissue around the knee. Knee pain is a common problem that plagues millions of individuals worldwide and is one of the most common conditions treated in physical therapy. Though very common, the underlying cause of knee pain can be multifactorial and should be thoroughly evaluated by a medical professional to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan is prescribed to you to best address your deficits.
COMMON CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN
Knee pain can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include heavy physical activity, muscular imbalances, injuries such as sprains or strains, sedentary lifestyle, or decreased joint mobility. Knee pain can also be referred from other areas of the body which is why it is important for a thorough medical evaluation.
HOME TREATMENTS
If you have pain, swelling, or lack of mobility or stability in your knee, it is highly recommended that you seek medical attention for your knee pain. The treatment outlined below is only a first-aid measure. Please seek medical advice before moving forward with any other treatments/interventions.
Rest - Discontinue activities causing or increasing your knee pain
Ice - Apply ice to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain. Apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time and be sure to place a towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid nerve or tissue damage. A good rule is 15 minutes on, 45 minutes off.
Compression - Use an ACE bandage or knee compression sleeve to reduce fluid build-up and improve stability in the knee. The compression should be applied as to not restrict blood flow to the lower leg. If you notice that your foot or toes are changing colors or are becoming numb, the bandaging is too tight.
Elevate - To reduce swelling, elevate the knee above the level of your heart by placing some form of bolster, like a pillow, under your knee while lying down.
EXERCISES FOR KNEE PAIN
In Exercises for Knee Pain: In physical therapy we use exercises to strengthen and stabilize the knee to help reduce pain and improve function. We progress these exercises based on the recovery of the affected area and each patient’s tolerance to activity. Here are some basic knee exercises that we use in the early stages of treating knee pain that can easily be performed at home. Please consult with a medical provider before beginning any exercise program.
Straight Leg Raise
Quad Sets
Check out our YouTube Channel for descriptions on how to perform these exercises or if you have any questions about your knee pain please call us at 460-785-5415 to schedule a consultation with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy.
Long Arc Quadriceps Exercise
The Long Arc Quadriceps exercise is a great exercise to help strengthen the quadriceps muscle.
The exercise can be performed sitting on the edge of a table or in a chair by slowly straightening the leg to be exercised. Keep your toes/ankle pulled back towards you as you straighten your leg. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Watch the video below for a visual description on how to perform this exercise.
Short Arc Quad Exercise : Knee Pain Series
Short Arc Quad Exercise
The short arc quad exercise is a great knee exercise that targets the muscles of the upper thigh (Quadriceps Muscle). In some cases, the long arc quad exercise can cause pain under the kneecap. For those who have discomfort during the long arc quad, the same exercise can be performed in a modified position. While lying on a flat surface, roll up a pillow and place it under the knee to be exercised. From this bent position, straighten your knee while pulling the toes and ankle back towards you. Moving in this modified range of motion places decreased stress on the knee and is a good option for those unable to perform the long arc quad exercise. Watch the video below for a visual description on how to perform this exercise.
What is Knee Pain?
Pain in or around the knee may indicate a condition affecting the knee joint itself or the soft tissue around the knee. Knee pain is a common problem that plagues millions of individuals worldwide and is one of the most common conditions treated in physical therapy. Though very common, the underlying cause of knee pain can be multifactorial and should be thoroughly evaluated by a medical professional to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan is prescribed to you to best address your deficits.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include heavy physical activity, lack of use, injuries such as sprains or strains, sitting in a constrained area, or sitting on knees for a prolonged period.
Home Treatments
If you have swelling, lack of mobility, sharp pain, or lack of stability it is recommended that you seek medical attention for your knee pain. The treatment below is only a first aid measure. Seek a medical providers advice before beginning any other treatments.
Rest - Discontinue activities causing or increasing your knee pain
Ice - Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain. Apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid nerve or tissue damage. A good rule, 15 minutes on, 45 minutes off.
Compression - Using an ACE bandage or knee compression sleeve to reduce fluid build up and improve stability in the knee. The compression should be applied as to not restrict blood flow to the lower leg.
Elevate - To reduce swelling elevate the knee while seated or laying down by propping some form of bolster, like a pillow, under your knee.
Exercises for Knee Pain
In physical therapy we use exercises to strengthen and stabilize the knee to help reduce knee pain and improve knee function. We progress these exercises based on the recovery of the affected area and patient’s tolerance. Here are some knee exercises that we use in treating knee pain and can be easily performed at home. Please consult with a medical provider before beginning any exercise program.
Short Arc Quad Knee Exercise
Clamshells
Straight Leg Raise
Quad Sets
Check out our YouTube Channel for descriptions on how to perform these exercises or if you have any questions about your knee pain please call us at 460-785-5415 to schedule a consultation with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy.