Are you experiencing ankle pain at the same time as knee pain? The combination of chronic pain in both of these areas can be debilitating. Chronic pain in the legs can make even simple daily activities a challenge. For many experiencing these symptoms, finding relief is a top priority. As you seek pain relief strategies, it is crucial to identify the source of your pain. Knowing what the underlying issue is can help you address your pain at the source. By directly addressing your condition, you increase your chances of experiencing long-term relief and improving your overall well-being. Experiencing pain in multiple areas does not necessarily mean there are multiple issues. The human body is highly interconnected. This means a condition in your foot can potentially lead to issues in the knee and ankle. Many conditions can cause pain that spreads throughout different regions of the body. To find a solution that works, it helps to shed light on what could be behind your discomfort.

5 common knee and ankle pain causes 

• Sprains and strains — Sprains and strains are both common causes of pain in the knee and ankle. While these injuries have similar names, they affect different parts of the body. Sprains are ligament injuries. Strains affect muscles and tendons. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that hold bones and muscles together. A sprain occurs when one of these ligaments is stretched or torn. This is usually due to a sudden movement or high-impact accident. When a stretch or tear happens in a muscle or tendon, it is called a strain. Muscles and tendons can get strained when they are overused or improperly stretched. Sprains and strains can lead to intense pain throughout the leg. The pain is typically concentrated around the injured area. Strains often occur in the back of the thigh, which can cause pain throughout the leg.

• Tendinitis — Tendons perform many crucial functions in the body’s performance. The main function of tendons is to connect the muscles and bones. In addition to holding other parts together, tendons play a vital role in motion; this is why issues that affect the tendons can limit your mobility. Tendinitis is one condition that involves tendon inflammation. When the tendons around your knees and ankles are inflamed, it can lead to chronic pain. Physical therapy can help address tendinitis through targeted exercises and manual techniques. With a specialized PT treatment plan, you can improve flexibility and reduce inflammation to manage your tendinitis pain.

• Bursitis — Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that rest between bones and soft tissue. The bursae are useful for absorbing impacts and reducing overall wear and tear. However, these sacs can get inflamed through repetitive motions and excessive pressure. Inflammation of the bursae can lead to a painful condition called bursitis. For people with bursitis, there are several physical therapy strategies that can be effective. Modalities like kinesiology taping are meant to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in targeted regions. This can also help ease knee and ankle pain caused by bursitis.

• Meniscus tears — A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. If you are a sports player or otherwise athletic person, your risk of a meniscus tear may be higher than average. A meniscus is a thin layer of cartilage positioned between different joints in the knee. When this cartilage is torn through a sudden forceful twisting, it can take weeks to heal. Physical therapy can help make the recovery process smooth and efficient. A strong recovery plan can also include pain management techniques.

• Plantar fasciitis — The plantar fascia is a dense band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of this tissue. Overuse and strain are common factors that lead to plantar fasciitis. When the plantar fascia is injured or inflamed, you may experience pain throughout your lower body. This can include ankle and knee pain.

Find treatment for your knee and ankle pain at Lattimore Physical Therapy

Knee and ankle pain can be challenging to deal with. Fortunately, you do not have to address these symptoms alone. At Lattimore Physical Therapy, our expert PT team is ready to help you find relief. With the guidance of a physical therapist in one-on-one sessions, you can work toward improving your quality of life. If you are grappling with knee and ankle pain, we can help you develop a treatment strategy that meets your recovery needs.

Contact our team today for more information about PT pain management or to schedule an initial appointment.