Knee Pain

Knee pain

Knee pain, in one of the knees, is usually the result of overusing the knee or injuring it. In many cases, it will settle down in a few days.

The knee joint is particularly vulnerable to damage and pain because it takes the full weight of your body and any extra force when you run, jump or squat. So, you are more likely to experience knee pain as you get older. Also, if you have a problem in your lower back, hips or ankles.  People who are overweight or do lots of sports also have a higher risk of damaging their knees also. Some sports that involve a lot of turning, such as football, netball, and skiing, carry a particularly high risk of knee injuries. Other knee injuries come from repetitive actions such as runners and jumpers.

In all of these cases, the knee joint must be treated as part of the leg mechanism that involves the ankle, hip, and lower back. It is especially important for athletes that require a good general function to play in their chosen sport.

This page summarizes some of the most common causes of pain in one or both knees and offers some advice.

Knee pain – advice

Persistent knee pain always needs to be assessed properly. A good case history and thorough examination will help determine a correct diagnosis. It must always include the knee itself, but especially relevant are the hips and pelvis and ankle. This is because each joint of the leg has a specific job to do. The knee bends and straightens(flexion/extension), but is not good at twisting movements. As a result, other joints of the leg perform more of these movements to take the strain away from the knee. It is especially important when treating the knee and why the whole leg is always treated.

  • Stretch, the hips, and pelvis as well as the upper and lower leg and ankle.
  • Specific stretches for the hip are helpful and include the above.
  • Use ICE on a swollen knee and heat on the muscle.
  • Check core stability.
  • Look at good footwear that is sport specific.
  • Warm up, but most importantly warm down.

These are some of the leg and knee pain conditions that we may be able to help you with can help with:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament Injury
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • Calf tear or strain
  • Cartilage (meniscus) injury, medial and lateral
  • Clergyman’s Knee
  • Gastrocnemius Tear
  • Housemaid’s knee
  • Iliotibial tract injury
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Lateral collateral ligament strain
  • Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Patella tendonitis
  • Posterior Cruciate Injury
  • Runners’ knee
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Tibialis anterior syndrome
  • Water on the knee.
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