Knee Pain

Knee pain is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and quality of life. As a podiatrist, we are experienced in diagnosing and treating various foot and lower extremity conditions, including knee pain.

What is Knee Pain

Knee pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced in or around the knee joint. It can range from mild to severe, and may be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or limited range of motion. Knee pain can affect individuals of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors.

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can be caused by a multitude of factors, including lower limb mechanics. Below are some common causes of knee pain:

• Lower limb mechanics – This is how your lower body works for example the flexion, extension and mobility of your bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. As your whole body is connected, often if there is an issue with one area, your body can often over compensate for it somewhere else. For example if your foot posture is not right when you are walking, it may mean your knees are overcompensating or not working in their ideal position either which then can cause Knee Pain.
• Structural abnormalities: Conditions like flat feet, leg length discrepancies, or malalignment of the lower limbs can contribute to knee pain.
• Overuse injuries: Repetitive stress on the knee joint due to activities such as running, jumping, or repetitive bending and squatting can lead to knee pain.
• Ligament injuries: Tears or strains of the ligaments surrounding the knee, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), can result in knee pain and instability.
• Meniscus tears: The menisci are C-shaped cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers in the knee joint. Tears or injuries to these structures can cause knee pain, swelling, and limited movement.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of arthritis can lead to knee pain due to inflammation and degeneration of the joint.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This condition involves pain and irritation around the patella (kneecap) due to factors such as malalignment, muscle imbalances, or overuse.
• Patellar tendonitis: Also known as jumper’s knee, it is characterised by inflammation and pain in the tendon connecting the patella to the shinbone.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the knee joint can cause pain and swelling.
• Tendon injuries: Strains or tears of the tendons surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps or hamstring tendons, can result in knee pain.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain can manifest in different ways. Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms may include:

• Dull, aching, or sharp pain in or around the knee joint.
• Swelling: Visible or palpable swelling around the knee.
• Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully.
• Instability: Feeling that the knee may give way or buckle.
• Clicking or popping sounds: Audible noises during movement.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the knee through its full range of motion.
• Difficulty bearing weight: Pain or discomfort when putting weight on the affected knee.

How is Knee Pain Diagnosed in Podiatry

Podiatrists use a combination of physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic tests to diagnose knee pain.

Our Podiatrist will discuss your medical history as well as the history of your Knee Pain followed by a lower limb assessment and gait analysis which will provide our team with valuable information that will aid in understanding its cause and the best treatment.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Podiatrists employ various treatment modalities to address knee pain, depending on the underlying cause and severity. These may include:

Physical therapy: Your Podiatrist will prescribe targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, improve joint stability, and enhance range of motion.

RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce pain and swelling.

Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers may be recommended to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Orthotic devices: Custom orthotic inserts may be prescribed to correct biomechanical imbalances, improve foot and lower limb alignment, and reduce stress on the knee joint.

Bracing or taping: Application of knee braces or taping techniques to provide support, stability, and pain relief.

Injection therapy: Corticosteroid injections into the knee joint can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Regenerative medicine: Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell injections may be considered for certain knee conditions to promote healing and tissue regeneration.

Surgical intervention: Podiatrists will start with the non invasive and non surgical treatment options to treat and prevent your Knee Pain. In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options such as arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, or joint replacement may be necessary.

Knee Pain Prevention

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent knee pain which our Podiatrist will be able to tailor to you, including:

• Proper footwear: Wear supportive shoes with cushioning and shock-absorbing features to minimise impact on the knees during physical activities.
• Warm-up and cool-down: Before and after physical activities, perform gentle stretching exercises to warm up the muscles and prevent stiffness.
• Maintain proper posture and body mechanics: Practise good posture and use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects or performing tasks that involve bending or squatting.
• Avoid overuse: Avoid repetitive high-impact activities that can strain the knee joint. Incorporate rest days into your exercise routine to allow for proper recovery.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the risk of pain and degeneration. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce this burden.
• Regular exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the knee joint, such as swimming, cycling, or walking.

When to See a Podiatrist

It is recommended to consult a podiatrist if you experience persistent or worsening knee pain that interferes with daily activities, or if you have any concerns about your knee health. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden severe pain, inability to bear weight, or if the knee appears deformed.

If you are experiencing Knee Pain and would like to visit us for Knee Pain Treatment in Melbourne, please call 03 9878 4566 or email [email protected] and we can book you in for a Biomechanical Assessment in the closest clinic location that suits you; Blackburn, Melbourne CBD, Newport, Elsternwick, Caroline Springs or Springvale.