Knee pain

Knee pain is a common complaint that describes any pain or discomfort felt at the site of, or around the knee joint.

What is knee pain?

Knee pain affects the knee, this means that the pain may be felt at either the front of, back of, or either side of the knee joint. Knee pain or discomfort may affect the whole knee or be localised to a specific spot, it can be chronic or acute.

The following section relates to chronic knee pain only, which typically is mechanical in nature.

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. The type of knee pain that podiatry can help with is called chronic knee pain. Chronic knee pain is pain that is often related to poor foot and lower limb mechanics. The feet are the foundations of the body, each bone that forms the foot and the leg is connected to another bone, and this forms a kinetic (movable) chain. When the feet are not functioning correctly this has an effect on structures further up the kinetic chain, such as the knee.

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

• Mal-tracking of the patella (anterior knee pain)
• Iliotibial band syndrome /runner's knee (lateral knee pain)
• Medial Osteoarthritis of the knee (medial knee pain)
• Patella tendinitis (anterior knee pain)

What are the signs and symptoms of knee pain?

The signs and symptoms of knee pain may include:

• Pain (worse when doing certain activities, (e.g. walking up or down stairs, running, bending etc.)
• Locking
• Swelling
• stiffness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms why not visit Chiropody.co.uk for an assessment.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

One of our podiatrists here at Chiropody.co.uk will be able to diagnose whether or not your knee pain is related to poor lower limb mechanics by conducting a thorough assessment and examination.

Benefits of podiatry for knee pain

If you have knee pain podiatry can help you. Following podiatric assessment and management you can expect to have:

• Reduced in pain
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved stability
• Improved lower limb function
• Improved gait
• Improved muscle strength
• Reduced muscle tightness

What would podiatry for knee pain involve?

It is very important to establish the underlying cause of your knee pain, to do this your podiatrist will need to obtain a thorough medical history, and an account of the problem.

It is very important to obtain a history, as this will provide the podiatrist with valuable information and important clues that will aid their diagnosis. The next stage of the consultation involves an assessment, which includes an examination of the knee joint and a Biomechanical assessment.

The following treatment options may then be recommended:

• Orthoses
• Range of Movement Exercises
• Stretching Programmes
• Strengthening Exercises
• Taping
• Acupuncture
• Advice and education
• Anti-inflammatory advice
• Rest

The treatment options most suitable for you will be discussed with you at the initial assessment. If you require physiotherapy this can be arranged, as we have excellent links with physiotherapists here at the clinic.

Summary

Knee pain is pain that is felt at the site of, or around the knee joint.

Knee pain is either chronic or acute; the type of knee pain that podiatry can help with is that which is chronic in nature. Chronic knee pain is typically mechanical pain; this means that the pain is the result of poor mechanics rather than an injury. Mechanical/chronic knee pain may be treated using orthoses, which improve foot and lower limb function, relieving any pain that is the result of poor foot and lower limb mechanics.

If you think that your knee pain is due to poor foot and lower limb mechanics, please visit Chiropody.co.uk who will be happy to help.

To arrange an assessment with one our podiatrists please email office@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222 .

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