Knee Pain and Injuries
Summary
When the knee joint is painful to put pressure on or move, it is referred to as knee pain. Common treatments include exercises, injections, and surgery. It's recommended that patients with knee pain continue to move as much as the pain allows, but should avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
The White House Clinic has 14 locations across South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Physiotherapy is available at all locations and is usually the best treatment option for most types of knee pain.
An overview of knee pain
The knee is a large, complex hinge-type joint. The hinge motion allows you to squat, walk, sit and jump. Knee pain can be caused by overuse, degenerative disease, or specific injury. Ligaments, tendons, cartilage or muscle are some of the tissues that can become painful around the knee joint.
Symptoms of knee pain
From swelling to 'giving way', the symptoms of knee pain can impact your daily activities.
- pain when stretching the knee
- instability
- stiffness
- decreased strength
- swelling
Causes of knee pain
There are many causes of knee pain, from injury to degeneration. Overuse from running or a sudden increase in activity can cause knee pain. Sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis or osteoarthritis also cause pain in and around the knee joint.
When to see someone for knee pain
You may be able to treat knee pain at home. However, if it doesn't improve within a few weeks or reoccurs then having an assessment with a Physiotherapist is your best option.
They will assess your knee, how you move and where you feel pain. They can diagnose the condition, recommend treatment if required, and prescribe tailored exercises.
What to do if you have knee pain
Having knee pain that is preventing you from doing the things you enjoy is frustrating. If you experience knee pain, modify your activities but continue to move as much as possible.
Avoid prolonged periods of activity that increase the pain, such as running or jumping. A physiotherapist can advise you on how and when to start a gradual return to your normal activities.
If you play sports or are a runner, consider consulting a professional to review your technique for squatting, lunging, and running. There may be some adjustments to prevent the pain from recurring.
Treatment for knee pain
Treatment for knee pain includes ice, bracing, physiotherapy, and injections.
Ice
Ice treatment can help manage your knee pain. Simply apply a wrapped ice pack to the area for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
Physiotherapy for knee pain
Staying active is better for knee recovery. It's good for you to do specific exercises that can aid your recovery. A physiotherapist can prescribe you bespoke exercises that you can build up over time. Following a plan will help you build strength and increase mobility in the knee.
Bracing
A knee brace can be useful to help support the knee joint and reduce symptoms. A physiotherapist will guide you on the best support to use or show you how to apply it to the knee.
Injections for knee pain
For some people, hydrocortisone injections provide relief from knee pain associated with arthritis, bursitis, and runner's knee. These injections are available at the White House Clinic via our Sports and Exercise Medicine consultants.
Surgery
Surgery can be required for certain types of knee pain or injury such as ACL tears, significant meniscal tears or severe arthritis but in most cases Physiotherapy is enough to manage and resolve knee pain.
Who's affected by knee pain
The knee is the second most common site of pain in adults, after back pain. Osteoarthritis is the most likely cause of knee pain for those over the age of 45.
Knee pain can affect anyone. It can occur when starting a new activity or increasing the frequency of an existing one, following a period of rest, or when there is a muscle imbalance. It may simply come from muscle imbalance around the hips or knees.
How to stop knee pain from happening again
Ensure you have proper technique when exercising, wear the correct footwear, and build up strength and mobility in the legs, hips, and knees. Incorporate a proper warm-up and cool-down in each session. If you're unsure of the best exercises to do for strong knees and how to adjust your movements, a physiotherapist will assess and guide you.
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