Knee pain

Knee pain is a common problem with many causes, from acute injuries to complication of medical conditions. Knee pain can be localized to a specific area of the knee or can be diffuse throughout the knee, it often accompanied by physical restriction.

It can originate in any of the bony structures compromising the knee joint such as femur, tibia or fibula, also the kneecap or the ligaments and cartilage of the knee.

Knee pain may be pain that is felt at either the front of, back of, either side of, or within the knee joint. Knee pain or discomfort may affect the whole knee or be localised to a specific spot.

Knee pain can be aggravated by exercise, affected by the surrounding muscles and their movements and be triggered by other problems such as a foot injury.

Knee pain can affect people of all ages, and home remedies can be helpful unless it becomes severe.

What causes knee pain?

The knee is the most complex joint in the body, and as a result knee pain can have a number of causes.

Chronic knee pain typically comes on gradually and get worse over time. Examples of chronic knee pain include:

• Mal-tracking of the patella
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Patella tendonitis

Knee pain can be divided into three major categories:

Acute injury : broken bone, torn ligament , meniscus tear

Medical conditions : arthritis , infections

Chronic use /overuse conditions: osteoarthritis, patellar syndromes, tendinitis and bursitis

What are the signs and symptoms?

The location of the knee pain can vary depending on which structure is involved, with infection or an inflammation process, the whole knee may be swollen and painful, while a torn meniscus or fracture of a bone gives symptoms only in one specific location.

The severity of the pain can vary, from a minor ache to a severe and disabling pain.

Some of the other signs and symptoms that that accompany knee pain are:

• Pain
• Locking
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Popping
• Cracking
• Difficulty walking due instability
• Limping due discomfort
• Difficulty walking up or down
• Inability to extend the knee
• Shifting weight to the opposite knee and foot

What would podiatry for knee pain involve?

Podiatry for knee pain would involve a thorough history, a personal account of the problem, an examination and a biomechanical assessment.

The purpose of a biomechanical assessment is to asses how the foot and the lower limb are functioning, the aim of which is to correct any abnormal biomechanics that are contributing to your painful symptoms with orthotics.

The following treatment options may be then recommended:

• Orthoses
• Exercise prescription
• Taping
• Acupuncture
• Advice and education
• Rest
• Footwear advice
• Strapping