Odds are, you’ll experience knee pain at some point in your life. Whether it’s from a rigorous workout, a simple misstep, or the daily wear and tear, our knees endure a lot. While knee pain might seem inevitable, it doesn’t have to be persistent. With the right knowledge and timely intervention, you can quickly identify issues and seek effective treatment to keep you moving comfortably. Read on for Physio Connect’s expert breakdown of knee pain, so that when it strikes, you’ll be equipped to tackle it head-on.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
The knee is the largest joint in our body, meaning there’s a lot which can go wrong. To help you better understand and identify potential problems, we’ve categorised knee pain into four main groups:
Injuries
Ligament injuries
Ligament Injuries like ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) tears are common among athletes. You can often identify one of these injuries by the immediate pain, swelling, and a sense of instability that makes it hard to stand.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is your knee’s shock absorber, a small but mighty piece of cartilage that can tear with sudden movements, deep squats, or just wear and tear over time. When the meniscus tears, you’ll feel pain, swelling, stiffness, and an annoying locking or catching sensation.
Fractures
Fractures are easy to identify because they are often caused by direct trauma. If you’ve got a fracture you’ll likely notice intense pain, swelling, and bruising after a fall. Knee fractures are serious business, causing immobilising pain and requiring immediate medical attention.
Medical Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the slow, relentless wear and tear on your knee’s cartilage. Over time, you’ll notice a gradual increase in pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it feel like your knee is rusting.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is your body’s immune system going rogue, attacking your knee joint and causing chronic inflammation. This condition brings persistent pain, swelling, warmth, and even joint deformity.
Gout
Gout is a unique type of knee pain, caused by uric acid crystals that accumulate in the joint. It strikes suddenly with severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, often leaving you immobilised.
Overuse and Mechanical Problems
Patellar Tendinitis
Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendinitis is an injury caused by too much jumping, running, or repetitive stress. You’ll feel pain and tenderness around the kneecap, especially during physical activity.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury that causes pain on the outer side of the knee. When the iliotibial band—a thick ligament running down the outside of your thigh—gets tight or inflamed, it feels like a persistent, nagging pain that flares up during or after activity.
Dislocated Kneecap
A dislocated kneecap is as dramatic as it sounds—your kneecap slips out of place, usually due to a sudden impact or change in direction. This results in severe pain, swelling, and visible displacement, rendering you unable to straighten your knee.
Other Factors
Obesity
Carrying too much extra weight is like putting your knees under constant heavy lifting. The additional stress increases the risk of pain and conditions like osteoarthritis. If you feel your knees ache when doing basic movements, it could be a sign that they’re overburdened.
Poor Alignment
Misalignment in your knee joint, whether from congenital conditions or injuries, leads to uneven pressure and pain during movement. If you have misalignment, you might notice your kneecap pushing to one side when you bend.
Muscle Imbalances
Weak or tight muscles around the knee create an unbalanced support system, leading to pain, instability, and a higher risk of injury. Keeping your muscles balanced and strong is essential for knee health, preventing discomfort and maintaining proper movement.
Diagnostic Procedures
As you’ve probably noticed by now, knee injuries and conditions are plentiful and varied. Given these overlapping symptoms, accurate diagnosis often requires professional evaluation. Here are common diagnostic procedures used to determine the cause of knee pain:
Physical Examination: A thorough examination by a healthcare professional can reveal a lot about your knee’s condition. They will check for swelling, range of motion, and areas of tenderness.
Imaging Tests: To get a detailed look inside your knee, doctors may recommend:
- X-rays: Useful for detecting bone fractures and signs of osteoarthritis.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, making it ideal for diagnosing ligament tears and meniscus injuries.
- CT Scans (Computed Tomography): Offers a comprehensive view of the knee’s bone structure which is helpful in complex cases.
Lab Tests: In cases where infections or conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis are suspected, blood tests or joint fluid analysis might be conducted to identify underlying causes.
Treatment Options
Dealing with knee pain can be a daunting experience, but the good news is that there’s no shortage of effective treatments available.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation: RICE is often the first line of defence against knee pain. Rest allows healing, ice reduces swelling and numbs pain, compression prevents further swelling, and elevation decreases throbbing by keeping the knee above heart level.
Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
Physical Therapy and Exercises: Physical therapy is great for strengthening the muscles around your knee, improving flexibility, and enhancing stability. Customised exercises can help you regain mobility and reduce pain.
Weight Management and Nutrition: Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise reduces stress on your knees. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are great at promoting joint health.
Surgical Treatments
Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to diagnose and treat problems through tiny incisions. It allows for precise repairs with minimal disruption.
Partial or Total Knee Replacement: For severe knee pain, a knee replacement may be necessary. Partial knee replacement involves replacing only the damaged part, while total knee replacement involves replacing the entire joint with a prosthesis, significantly improving mobility.
Ligament Reconstruction: In rare cases, severe ligament injuries may require reconstruction. A surgeon uses a graft from your body or a donor to reconstruct the torn ligament, restoring stability and function to your knee.
Preventative Measures
- Proper Footwear: Wear supportive shoes to reduce stress on your knees.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in activities that strengthen muscles around the knee.
- Healthy Weight: Maintain a healthy weight to lessen the load on your knees.
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include warm-up and cool-down exercises in your routine to prevent injuries.
Physiotherapy for Knee Pain
Imagine having a personal coach dedicated to getting you back on your feet—literally. That’s what physiotherapists do. We’re experts in understanding how your body moves and what it needs to heal.
Physiotherapy offers a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs. One common method is manual therapy, where the physiotherapist uses their hands to manipulate your muscles and joints. This can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance function. Think of it as a deep, therapeutic massage but with a precise medical purpose.
Strengthening exercise plans are another go-to option. While exercising might sound daunting when you’re in pain, these targeted routines are designed to build up the muscles supporting your knee. This not only alleviates pain but also helps prevent future injuries, giving your knee a solid foundation to rely on.
Finally, electrotherapy, though it might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, is a real and effective treatment. Small electrical impulses are used to reduce pain and stimulate healing. It’s like giving your knee a gentle nudge, encouraging it to heal faster and more effectively.
Conclusion
Don’t let your injury become a permanent setback. Through understanding the common causes, recognising symptoms early, and exploring a range of treatment options, you can take proactive steps to manage and alleviate your knee pain. Worried about a particularly stubborn injury? Make a booking with Physio Connect. Whether it’s manual therapy, strengthening exercises, or advanced electrotherapy, we’re here to support every step of your recovery.
