Can understanding what knee tests are used help a healthcare provider diagnose the cause of individuals experiencing knee pain?
Table of Contents
A knee examination is the first step in determining the cause of knee pain. Different knee tests may be performed during the exam to help the healthcare provider find the cause and develop an optimal treatment plan. These tests evaluate knee function and range of motion and look for conditions and injuries such as arthritis, meniscus tears, ACL tears, other ligament injuries, and kneecap issues.
Many individuals know if their knee is swollen, as they can see or feel the swelling. However, if there is excess fluid in the knee joint, the healthcare provider may compress the joint to feel for excess fluid. Fluid is often visible above the kneecap and can be compressed in this area. Fluid may also be detected in the back of the knee, referred to as a Baker’s cyst if the fluid has collected into a cluster. (Frush T. J., & Noyes F. R. 2015)
Certain characteristic findings can detect knee arthritis:
Tests used to determine if there is a meniscus tear include:
These knee pain tests are for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear:
For a suspected injury to other ligaments, including the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), the following tests may be used:
Tests for kneecap issues include:
Knee pain tests typically check the range of motion, discomfort symptoms, and sounds that could indicate a specific type of knee injury. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Frush, T. J., & Noyes, F. R. (2015). Baker’s Cyst: Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations. Sports health, 7(4), 359–365. doi.org/10.1177/1941738113520130
Lo, G. H., Strayhorn, M. T., Driban, J. B., Price, L. L., Eaton, C. B., & Mcalindon, T. E. (2018). Subjective Crepitus as a Risk Factor for Incident Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Arthritis care & research, 70(1), 53–60. doi.org/10.1002/acr.23246
Gupta, Y., Mahara, D., & Lamichhane, A. (2016). McMurray’s Test and Joint Line Tenderness for Medial Meniscus Tear: Are They Accurate?. Ethiopian journal of health sciences, 26(6), 567–572. doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v26i6.10
Ohori, T., Mae, T., Shino, K., Tachibana, Y., Fujie, H., Yoshikawa, H., & Nakata, K. (2017). Varus-valgus instability in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee: effect of posterior tibial load. Journal of experimental orthopaedics, 4(1), 24. doi.org/10.1186/s40634-017-0087-3
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The information herein on "Importance of Knee Pain Tests for Diagnosis" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
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