Understanding Knee Pain: Anatomy & Common Injuries
Did you know that knee pain affects nearly one in four American adults and accounts for over 4 million primary care visits each year? Whether it’s from sports, daily activities, or gradual wear and tear, knee pain can quickly limit your movement and quality of life. In the above video, Dr. Zach Baker from Rehab 2 Perform breaks down the essentials of knee anatomy, explains common knee injuries, and outlines what effective rehabilitation really looks like.
The Structure of the Knee: More Than a Simple Hinge
The knee is often described as a hinge joint, built to bend and straighten while handling an incredible amount of force. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia and fibula (shin bones), with the patella (kneecap) sitting upfront to aid movement.
Between the femur and tibia sits the meniscus, a pair of cartilage pads (medial and lateral) that act as shock absorbers. Over time or through trauma, these can wear down or tear — one of the most common sources of knee discomfort.
The Ligaments: Stability in Motion
Supporting these bones are four critical ligaments that stabilize the joint:
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) – control forward and backward motion of the knee.
- MCL (medial collateral ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament) – prevent excessive side-to-side movement.
These ligaments are your knee’s built-in stabilizers, working like emergency brakes during fast movements, sudden stops, or changes in direction. When pushed too far, partial or full tears can occur, requiring careful rehabilitation — and sometimes surgery — to restore stability.
The Muscles: Power and Protection
On the front of the thigh, the quadriceps connect through the patellar tendon to help straighten the knee. On the back, the hamstrings bend it. Below, the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) contribute to motion and help control extension.
When these muscles are strong and balanced, they absorb impact and reduce strain on the joint. Weakness or tightness — especially around the hips and ankles — can alter movement patterns and lead to knee pain.
Common Knee Injuries
Knee issues often fall into three categories:
- Bone-related injuries: Fractures or stress fractures from trauma or overuse.
- Cartilage injuries: Meniscus or articular cartilage damage from aging, repetitive stress, or twisting motions.
- Ligament and muscle injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears graded from mild (Grade 1) to complete ruptures (Grade 3).
Even minor injuries can worsen without proper recovery and movement retraining — making physical therapy essential for long-term joint health.
How Physical Therapy Restores Knee Function
At Rehab 2 Perform, our approach focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and control — not just reducing pain. A customized plan includes:
- Improving movement patterns and addressing weaknesses at the hip, ankle, and core
- Progressive strengthening to rebuild stability
- Functional training to help you return to the activities and sports you love
By understanding the anatomy and mechanics of your knee, you can take proactive steps toward lasting performance and prevention.
About Rehab 2 Perform
Rehab 2 Perform is a leading physical therapy and sports rehabilitation company dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal performance in their daily lives, whether they are athletes, weekend warriors, or individuals recovering from injury. With a team of highly skilled professionals, Rehab 2 Perform offers a personalized, evidence-based approach that emphasizes active rehabilitation and functional fitness. Find a Location near you, or Schedule Here.