Knee Pain is most often caused by:
Traumatic incident(i.e. landing from height, twisting, trip or a fall, car accident).
Without trauma (bursitis, repetitious walking / running, poor foot posture, muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, degeneration).
Knee pain is usually caused from one of the following:
- Ligament Sprain (Anterior/ Posterior Cruciate, Medial/Lateral Collateral)
- ITB Syndrome
- Patellofemoral Joint Syndrome
- Knee joint Synovitis
- Nerve Irritation/ Compression / Referred Pain (Femoral, Sciatic, referred pain from the back or hip)
- Boney degeneration of the knee (cartilage damage, bone degeneration, arthritis)
- Joint stiffness (Knee, superior tib/fib)
- Poor Foot/ Hip or Functional Biomechanics (dynamic stability)
- Muscle Tears/Spasm (Muscular- Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, Groin)
- Tendonitis (Patella, Hamstring, Groin)
- Impingement
- Joint or Bone fracture (tibial plateu, femoral, tibial) / cartilage damage
- Dislocation – post traumatic
- Bursitis (prepatella)/ Fat Pad Bruising
- Avulsion Injury (pulling off a piece of bone)
The most common injuries to the knee are known as the “unhappy” triad. That is a medial meniscus tear, anterior cruciate tear and medial collateral ligament tear. Pre-patella bursitis, patellofemoral joint syndrome, ITB syndrome, patella dislocation and osteoarthritis make up the majority of the remaining injuries. Some unusual injuries include osteochondritis dissecans, Perthes’ Disease, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.
If your knee hurts, don’t ignore it. Physiotherapists are well trained to give an accurate diagnosis and treatment the problem. We can refer for MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound or blood test as required. We are able to provide a proven, safe and effective treatment.
Physiotherapy Aims
1) Treat the pain and other symptoms
2) Help identify the causes to prevent recurrence
3) Provide self-management strategies
Treatment: Strong Evidence in Literature
1) Specific knee, hip, foot, back strengthening and general exercise programs
2) Mobilisation, Manipulation and Hands On Therapy – Myofascial Release (Manipulation is traumatic and should only be used for certain conditions)
3) Acupuncture / Dry Needling
Treatment: Others
1) Postural Modification (taping, innersoles, orthotics, body awareness exercises)
2) Hydrotherapy (great supportive environment)
3) Supportive Taping / Bracing
4) Use of Gels, Creams, Hot & Cold
5) Sports Specific Rehabilitation
Knee pain is very individual due to the large number of structures and factors that contribute to your condition. What works for others may not work for you and you will have to trial various treatments under the guidance of your Physiotherapist to find what works for your particular condition.
AHCN 