Knee Pain

Knee pain is extremely common and there are numerous causes. While most cases of knee pain do not pose a serious health threat, a few should be taken seriously.

Causes

Acute pain in one of the knees is usually the result of overuse or sudden trauma. Common causes of knee pain include a simple strain, when the knee tissues have been stretched but are not permanently damaged; anterior knee pain syndrome – pain felt at the front of the knee, which can be aggravated by sitting for long periods or climbing stairs; damage to the menisci – the rubbery pads of tissue situated between the upper and lower leg bones at the knee joint; osteoarthritis – a condition which causes damage to the protective surface of the knee bone (articular cartilage), resulting in swelling; tendonitis – inflammation of the tendon. Severely damaged knee joints may sometimes be replaced by an artificial joint or prosthesis. Other causes of knee pain include:

• Trauma  – often resulting from a sports or work-based accident
• Overuse
• Ligament injury
• Arthritis
• Disease or infection
• Gout or pseudo gout – a crystalline build-up in the joints
• Autoimmune disorders
• Baker’s cyst – an abnormal sac that develops behind the knee
• Osgood-Schlatter disease – usually affects teenage boys
• Deep venous thrombosis – blood clot in the leg

Recommended treatment

Treatment can include one or more of the following:

• Ice and heat treatment
• Stretching exercises
• Physiotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery – if symptoms persist

How can we help you?

To arrange an appointment or for further information, call 020 8455 7809 or email info@igophysio.co.uk