Knee pain is a common complaint among patients of all ages.
Knee pain may be the result of:
* an injury, such as a torn cartilage
* mechanical problems such as maltracking of the patella (kneecap)
* or a medical condition, such as osteoarthritis
The good news is that the majority of knee pain can be alleviated with physiotherapy and ongoing self care.
Symptoms of knee pain
The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause. Generally, it will include one or more of the following:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crunching noises
- Redness and/or warm to touch
- Inability to straighten the knee
There are many different causes of knee pain
Injury
- Tears to ACL and/or meniscus – Loaded twisting actions of the knee, particularly changing direction awkwardly while running or other load-bearing activities can cause a tear to the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and or meniscus (cartilage between the knee).
- Fractures – A fall on the knee or direct blow can break or dislocate the kneecap or bones that make up the knee joint.
- Tendinitis – is inflammation of the one or more tendons of the knee. It is aggravated by movement, particularly going up and downstairs. It is often due to either high volume or long-term repeated load on the tendon. Tendinitis is common in runners. And, as we age, the tendons start to become more brittle, making them more vulnerable to increased loads.
- Bursitis – There are 11 bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) around the knee joint. They can become irritated with prolonged kneeling and/or mechanical irritation or a direct blow to the knee causing pain and swelling around the knee.
Mechanical problems
- Hip/foot pain – Conditions of the hip and/or foot may alter the way you walk, placing more load on the knee joint.
- Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome – The ITB is a band of connective tissue that extends from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee. It can tighten during activities such as running causing lateral knee pain.
Medical Conditions
Arthritis. There are many types of arthritis but two are common causes of knee pain.
- Osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear of the cartilage of the knee
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes pain and inflammation of multiple joints including the knee.
Managing knee pain
Due to the wide variety of causes, it is important to have your knee pain assessed early on by a physiotherapist to determine the source of the pain and implement the appropriate treatment.
This may include manual therapy, ultrasound, taping and bracing, exercise therapy and avoiding the aggravating movements.
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