Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Knee Pain
What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is often associated with biomechanical issues stemming from the foot or ankle which can affect the alignment and functionality of the knee joint, leading to discomfort or injury over time. Knee pain can have various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Common Causes Of Knee Pain
Some common causes of knee pain that our podiatrists manage include:
Muscle Strains or Sprains
Overstretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments around the knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, or the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), can result in knee pain.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of tendons, like patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee) or iliotibial (IT) band syndrome, can cause discomfort around the knee joint.
Meniscus Tears
The menisci are cartilage pads that provide cushioning in the knee joint. Tears in these structures can lead to pain, especially during movements that involve twisting or bending the knee.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis are conditions that can cause knee pain, stiffness, and swelling over time.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This condition involves pain around the kneecap (patella) due to factors like overuse, muscle imbalances, or poor alignment.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction in joints) can lead to knee pain.
Ligament Injuries
In addition to ACL tears, injuries to other knee ligaments, such as the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) or the medial collateral ligament (MCL), can cause pain and instability.
Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans
This condition involves a piece of bone and cartilage within the knee joint breaking loose, potentially causing pain and limited movement.
Gout
A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in joints, gout can lead to sudden and intense knee pain.
Plica Syndrome
The plica is a fold of tissue in the knee joint. Irritation or inflammation of this tissue can result in pain and discomfort.
Knee Fractures
Fractures of the bones around the knee, such as the femur, tibia, or patella, can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain
Activities that involve repetitive knee movements or excessive stress on the knees, such as running or jumping, can lead to overuse injuries and pain.
Nerve Impingement
Nerves around the knee can become compressed or irritated, causing pain that radiates to the knee.
Infections or Abscesses
In rare cases, infections in the knee joint or surrounding tissues can cause pain and swelling.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Biomechanical Assessment
Our podiatrists are experts in the biomechanics of the lower limbs. They can assess your gait (walking pattern) and the alignment of your feet and legs. Abnormalities in foot mechanics, such as overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or supination (inward rolling of the foot), can lead to improper alignment of the knees, which might contribute to knee pain. Our podiatrists can recommend orthotic devices or specialised shoe inserts to correct these issues, potentially alleviating knee pain caused by poor biomechanics.
Footwear Recommendations
Wearing inappropriate footwear with inadequate support or cushioning can lead to imbalances in leg alignment and impact the knees. Our podiatrists can recommend suitable footwear that provides proper arch support, cushioning, and stability, which may help reduce knee pain by improving overall lower limb alignment.
Muscular Imbalances
Muscle imbalances or weaknesses in the feet and lower legs can affect the alignment and stability of the knees. Our podiatrists can design exercise programs to strengthen specific muscles, which can contribute to better knee alignment and reduced pain.
Arthritis and Joint Health
Certain types of arthritis can affect both the feet and knees. Our podiatrists can provide guidance on managing arthritic conditions in the feet, which might contribute to improved overall lower limb function and reduced knee pain.
Patient Education
Our podiatrists can educate you about how foot mechanics, alignment, and footwear choices can impact your overall lower limb health, including the knees. We can offer advice on maintaining proper posture and body mechanics to reduce stress on the knees.
Pain Medications
Our podiatrists can recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), that can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Our podiatrists can design exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve joint stability, and enhance flexibility. They can also guide you with proper movement mechanics to prevent further strain.
Orthotics or Shoe Inserts
If poor foot alignment contributes to your knee pain, our podiatrists may recommend orthotic devices or specialised shoe inserts to improve your biomechanics.
Bracing
Depending on the cause of your knee pain, our podiatrists can recommend and fit a knee brace or support that may help provide stability and alleviate discomfort.
Modalities
Techniques like laser therapy may be used by our podiatrists to help manage pain and promote healing.
It’s important to note that the appropriate treatment will depend on the specific cause of your knee pain. Consult with our podiatrists to receive a proper diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan for your knee pain to ensure you get the best results.