WANT TO REDUCE KNEE PAIN AND IMPROVE FUNCTIONALITY?
Knee pain is one of the most common presenting areas at Excel Body & Health Clinic. Knee pain can present in people of all ages and activity levels. It can be caused by trauma, inconsistent or sudden increase in exercise, genetics, degenerative changes or referred pain from the hips or feet. Your knees are vital for key movements like bending, lifting and walking and running therefore knee pain can be debilitating.
Ligaments, tendons and muscles are crucial for optimal function of your lower limb, at Excel Body & Health Clinic we guide you in reducing knee pain, strengthening and preventing future knee injuries.
WHAT IS KNEE PAIN?
Knee pain refers to the discomfort or soreness experienced in the knee joint area. The severity and location of the pain can vary, affecting mobility and daily activities differently.
It may arise for various reasons such as:
- Injuries involving tendons, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, or bone.
- Overuse.
- Underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis..
Some common causes of knee pain includes:
PATELLO-FEMORAL JOINT PAIN
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Patellofemoral joint pain, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is an umbrella term to describe pain in the soft tissues around the knee cap when there is no diagnosis on X-Rays and MRIs. The diagnosis weighs heavily on a thorough clinical history and examination.
Patello-femoral joint pain can present in people of all ages and activity levels.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
Patello-femoral joint pain may be caused by factors such as:
- Incorrect knee cap alignment due to weakness or tightness in the hip or thigh muscles.
- Overuse or overloading of the knee with exercise, such as walking, using stairs, or running.
- Poor knee and ankle flexibility.
- Flat feet
- Knock knees
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Patello-femoral joint pain can present in people of all ages and activity levels.
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Pain with walking
- Pain with climbing stairs
- Sitting with a bent knee for long periods.
- Pain while squatting or lunging
PATELLA TENDINOPATHY
Patella tendinopathy, often referred to as patella tendinitis, is the umbrella term to describe tendon pathology of the patella tendon. Tendons, including the patella tendon, which are strong, rope-like structures that attach muscles to bone, are an essential element for our leg mobility.
The two types of tendinopathy are:
- Tendinitis, which is an acute tendon injury.
- Tendinosis, which is a chronic tendon injury.
In tendinopathies, the internal structure changes due to inconsistent exercise or loading, such as a sudden increase or decrease in activity. The tendon initially becomes inflamed and painful but still functions reasonably well. If left untreated or managed incorrectly, it may develop into a chronic issue with weakness, persistent pain and an increased risk of tendon tearing or rupture.
PATELLA TENDINOPATHY MAY BE CAUSED BY FACTORS SUCH AS:
- Years of running or cycling.
- Sudden commencement of frequent exercise.
- Change of activity surface.
- Change of footwear
- Calf muscle weakness
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
While tendinopathies can occur in anyone, patella tendinopathy is more common in:
- Runners
- Cyclists
- Sports that involve jumping or running (basketball, tennis, soccer, football)
- HIIT classes attendees
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Pain just above or below the knee cap
- Minor swelling around the sore area
- Knee stiffness
- Pain with excessive knee usage
KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that is typically due to age-related changes. Subsequently, it is more commonly seen in people over the age of 45 years.
Regular strength and movement exercises for the hips and knees are critical in OA to slow the progression of the condition. The team at Excel Body & Health utilise exercises from the GLA:D program, which was developed in Denmark and has been shown to reduce pain by 36% while also reducing medication intake and the need for joint replacement surgery.
KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS MAY BE CAUSED BY FACTORS SUCH AS:
- Age
- Obesity.
- Genetics.
- Repetitive stress or loading.
- High impact sports.
- Trauma.
- Repetitive exercise.
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Gradual onset of knee pain.
- Stiffness in the mornings or after long periods of sitting.
- Minor knee swelling after exercise.
- Crepitus or cracking sounds with knee joint movement.
OSGOOD-SCHLATTERS DISEASE
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Osgood-Schlatters disease is a type of apophysitis, which is the inflammation of the bony growth plates in children. This form occurs in children’s shin bones as a result of the quadriceps tendon repetitively stressing the growth plate. The growing bone pulls away from the shin as it hasn’t completely fused together. It is most prominent in children between the ages of 10-15, especially those who are extremely active.
Osgoods-Schlatters disease requires careful exercise management during the painful stages to prevent progression of the disease and prevent fractures.
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease may be caused by factors such as:
- Overloading of the quadriceps tendon and the knee.
- Highly physical and sporting activities involving repetitive running, jumping, and sprinting.
- Tightness of the quadricep muscle.
- Worn out footwear.
- Flat feet.
- Poor ankle and knee posture.
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Tenderness of the upper shin area
- Pain just below the knee cap which increases with physical activity
- Increased size of the tibial tuberosity
BAKER’S CYST
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
A Baker’s cyst is a type of swelling that occurs behind the knee. It often builds slowly over a long period of time with varying amounts of pain. Determining the causative factor of the Baker’s cyst is important to manage the condition properly. Incorrect management may result in years of frustrating knee pain or the rupture of the cyst.
Baker’s cysts may be caused by factors such as:
- Underlying damage to cartilage or ligaments within the knee.
- A separate cyst behind the knee.
- Osteoarthritis
Symptoms may include:
- Pain at the back of the knee
- Swelling at the back of the knee
- Limited flexibility when bending and straightening the knee
- Tightness or stiffness at the back of the knee
MUSCLE STRAINS AND TEARS
Muscles are the power-generating structures that make our bodies move. They can be damaged suddenly while playing sport or performing activities of daily living but can also be strained slowly over a longer period of time.
Strains and tears are categorised into grades:
- Grade 1 for mild strains.
- Grade 2 for moderate strains with swelling, bruising, and weakness.
- Grade 3 for full rupture, which involves the muscle ripping into two separate pieces.
The most common muscles injured around the knee include the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
Muscle strains can occur in anyone whether they are sedentary or active but there is a high risk associated with people that partake in sports and recreational exercise.
Muscle strains and tears may be caused by factors such as:
- Overstretching of the muscle.
- The muscle has been forced to contract too strongly.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp pain and tenderness over the strain area.
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain on usage of the muscle
- Weakness on usage of the muscle
LIGAMENT SPRAIN & RUPTURE
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
- Anterior cruciate (ACL).
- Posterior cruciate (PCL).
- Medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL).
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp pain at the time of the injury.
- Pain while walking, twisting, or bending the knee.
- Swelling of the knee.
- Instability or looseness of the knee.
- Direct contact at speed, which can force the knee in a certain direction.
- Build up of stretch or strain on the ligament.
MENISCAL TEAR
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
The knee has a meniscus on the inner and outer aspects, which act as a cushion for the knee joint. Commonly referred to as shock absorbers, menisci are important for protecting our knee joint and bones while we walk, run, jump, and play sports.
There are different severity and types of meniscal tears and these are treated differently on a case by case basis. Many can be managed conservatively with treatment and exercise, though some require referral to knee specialists.
Meniscal tears may be caused by factors such as:
- Sports accidents or falls
- Wear and tear in the knee.
- Osteoarthritis
Symptoms may include:
- Popping or clicking of the knee.
- Pain when bending the knee.
- Pain when bearing weight.
- Pain on squatting and kneeling.
- Tenderness of the knee joint
PATELLOFEMORAL INSTABILITY/DISLOCATION
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
Patellofemoral instability may be caused by:
- Dislocation of the kneecap due to trauma.
- Incomplete development of bone that supports the knee.
- Flat feet
- Weakness of the quadriceps muscles.
Symptoms may include:
- Looseness of the knee cap on the thigh bone.
- Sensation of the knee giving way.
- Pain on lunging, squatting, or climbing stairs.
- Swelling around the knee cap after activity.
KNEE PAIN SYMPTOMS
Knee issues can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms associated with knee pain include:
- Dull, shooting, aching, burning, or sharp pain.
- Acute, recurring, or chronic discomfort.
- Localised or radiating pain.
- Bruising
- Redness
- Hot to touch.
- Swelling
- ‘Giving away’ or locking sensations.
- Clicking sounds.
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion.
KNEE PAIN TREATMENTS
The Excel Body & Health team are highly skilled practitioners who will work to determine the cause of your knee pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your requirements.
Treatment depends on your symptoms and the nature of your knee pain. There are a variety of evidence-based methods we can employ to improve your comfort and functionality. This may include techniques such as:
- Compression or strapping.
- Cold or heat therapy.
- Massage
- Dry needling.
- Exercise prescription.
- Stretching.
- Joint mobilisation.
- Lifestyle advice regarding factors such as weight loss and movement.
YOUR KNEE PAIN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Anyone may experience knee pain but there are certain factors that increase the chance of an issue developing. These can include aspects such as having a past history of knee injuries or conditions, being overweight, having tight or weak leg muscles, not eating a nutritious diet, and taking part in certain sports like skiing and netball.
If your knee problem is causing significant pain, inflammation, fever, or mobility issues, it is pertinent to visit your doctor to rule out a serious condition. If we are concerned your injury requires further testing, we can advise you of steps to take.
Physical therapy, exercise programs, lifestyle adaptations, education, and supportive resources may significantly and positively impact many knee pain issues. We will devise a treatment plan for you and help you work towards your goals. Some injuries and conditions may not respond to less conservative options, in which case a medical assessment may be required.
WHY EXCEL BODY & HEALTH CLINIC?
Knee injuries and conditions are common complaints and our dedicated and friendly team at Excel Body & Health Clinic are experienced and highly trained in providing treatment and guidance to work towards improvement.
We provide thorough and holistic care with a multidisciplinary approach, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and clinical exercise & Pilates classes to patients from Rosanna, Heidelberg, Viewbank, Macleod, Watsonia, Ivanhoe, Eaglemont, Bulleen, Reservoir, Preston, and many other areas around Victoria.
GAIN KNEE PAIN RELIEF AT EXCEL BODY & HEALTH CLINIC
Knee pain is a common issue that may significantly impact your comfort and functionality. Fortunately, there are numerous management and treatment options available aimed towards relieving knee pain and improving your quality of life, including physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Our team is here to help you navigate recovery and rehabilitation, providing professional advice and support to find the most effective treatment plan for your specific injury or condition. Together, we can work towards improving your comfort and functionality.
