Introduction
Now I could go and find a fancy statistic on how many of the population are or have experience knee pain. But let’s be keeping this blog real… from my own clinical experience knee pain dominates appointment slots on a weekly basis and is the most common complaint across all ages!
The Knee
It’s no lie that the knee is a very complex joint (see back to our previous blog ‘The Stiff Knee’) for more information but nonetheless, there are some generic signs and symptoms, similar to other joints, that present when knee pain is felt. These are;
Swelling
Redness
Stiffness
Weakness
Instability
Popping
Crunching
Inability for full extension (straight leg at knee)
Inability for full flexion (leg bent at knee)
What we must make apparent is that no one’s knee pain is exactly like the others. We feel things differently, have different tolerances and experience different daily stressors that can exacerbate knee pain. However, the most common causes of knee pain are;
Injury
A knee injury can affect any of the many ligaments, tendons, cartilage or bursae sac that surround or consist of the knee joint. Some of the most common knee injuries are;
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Meniscus
Bursitis
Tendinitis
Arthritis
More than 100 different types of arthritis exist. Examples of arthritis that might cause knee pain are;
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gout
Pseudogout
Mechanical problems
This is often caused by an underlying injury, overuse or normal wear & tear, mechanical issues might include;
Loose piece of cartilage of bone
Dislocated kneecap
Gait change because of hip/foot compensations
Ways to possibly prevent knee pain
By maintaining a healthy weight, you ensure that the knee joint isn’t having to withstand excessive mass. Warming up and stretching before exercise encourages good blood flow and movement around the joint. Eliciting strength-based exercises regularly and correctly can build tolerance around the knee joint. Lastly, wearing appropriate shoes when walking, running and exercising gives good foundations to protect the knee joint.
If you are suffering from knee pain, feel you fall into one of the above categories and need help then why not get in touch with Olivia at Injury Recovery Centre (olivia@injuryrecoverycentre.co.uk or 07761887778 or @injuryrecoverycentre on Instagram).
Thank you for reading this week’s blog, have a lovely weekend!
Olivia Freeman
BSc Hons Sports Therapy MSST
MSc Strength and Conditioning
07761887778
References
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-the-facts-about-knee-pain
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