Patient Case
Ms. Waraporn | Age 67
Condition Before Treatment
Ms. Waraporn had been experiencing chronic inner knee pain for over 3–4 years.
At first, she was still able to carry out her daily activities normally. However, over time, the pain gradually worsened.
Her walking distance became shorter, she needed to stop and rest more frequently, had difficulty going up and down stairs, and began to lose confidence while walking.
Symptoms
- Noticeable pain on the inner side of the knee during use
- Pain increases with prolonged standing or walking, causing fatigue and instability
- Limited ability to perform daily activities
- Difficulty with functional movements such as standing up from a chair and climbing stairs
- Reduced confidence in walking due to fear of losing balance or falling
Physical Therapy Assessment
A detailed assessment was conducted to identify the root cause of her condition, including:
- Standing and walking patterns
- Weight distribution across the knee joint
- Strength of hip and thigh muscles
- Muscle tightness around the knee
- Functional movements used in daily life
Assessment Findings
- Excessive weight loading on the inner knee
- Weak hip and thigh muscles
- Muscle tightness contributing to improper movement patterns
Primary Cause:
“Abnormal weight distribution + muscle imbalance”
Consistent with Varus knee (bow-legged alignment)
Treatment Plan
A personalized rehabilitation program was designed, focusing on addressing the root cause—not just pain relief.
Rehabilitation Approach
- Reduce load on the inner knee
- Correct standing and walking patterns
- Release tight muscles
- Strengthen hip and thigh muscles
- Train functional movements used in daily life
Examples include:
- Proper technique for standing up from a chair
- Safer stair navigation with reduced knee stress
- Walking with improved weight distribution
Ongoing Care (Key to Success)
Treatment does not end at the clinic. Continuous follow-up and program adjustments are essential:
- Reassessment of walking and weight distribution
- Monitoring muscle strength
- Progressive exercise adjustments
(from basic → resistance → balance & functional training)
This ensures gradual improvement and long-term functional recovery.
Results After Rehabilitation
- Significant reduction in inner knee pain
- Able to walk longer distances without frequent breaks
- Improved ability to go up and down stairs
- Increased stability and confidence while walking
- Returned to normal daily activities
Case Summary
This case highlights that chronic inner knee pain and varus knee are not simply “age-related.”
They are largely influenced by:
weight distribution + muscle function
With proper assessment and targeted rehabilitation, it is possible to reduce pain, improve movement, and regain confidence in daily life.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing inner knee pain or bow-legged alignment,
starting the right physical therapy program could be the first step toward walking comfortably again.
