Osteopathy & Massage at Remedy Health
Understanding Knee Pain
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Understanding Knee Pain
At some point in your life, you’ve probably suffered from aches or pains in your knees, which are very common. Children and teenagers can experience knee pain, often termed ‘growing pains.’ As we age, knee injuries from sports or other activities become more prevalent, and later in life, we often blame knee pain on old age and arthritis. But what are the common problems with knees?
Why is Knee Pain So Common?
There are many structures in the knee that can cause pain, making diagnosis tricky. The knee consists of two bones balanced on top of each other, with ligaments, tendons, and muscles keeping everything aligned and functioning. This is why maintaining knee strength is so important.
We often see people in the clinic who injure their back while bending over to pick things up. They avoid bending their knees due to fear of pain or difficulty getting back up, leading to poor movement patterns that put unnecessary strain on other parts of the body.
Lifestyle Factors and Knee Health
In Western societies, we rarely bend our knees and hips beyond ninety degrees. We sit on chairs, sofas, toilets, and in cars. In contrast, in many other countries, people sit on the floor to eat, squat to clean, and use toilets that require deep knee bending. These daily habits may contribute to lower rates of knee and hip arthritis, though definitive research is still needed.
While we’re not suggesting you throw out your chairs or dig a hole in the garden, making small changes to improve knee strength and flexibility is crucial. Regardless of your age, you should be able to get up from the ground without assistance. Strengthening your legs can significantly reduce the risk of falling later in life and improve your ability to recover if you do fall.
If you’re experiencing knee stiffness or weakness, remember that improvement is possible. We are here to help you regain movement, strength, and confidence in your knees.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knees are resilient and treatable, but they can be vulnerable to a variety of injuries and conditions. With the right care, knee pain can be managed and even alleviated. Below are some of the most common causes of knee pain:
Traumatic Injuries
Ligament injuries – The knee has four ligaments that provide stability, and each one can be torn. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured.
Tendon injuries – Tendons attach muscles to bones. The most commonly injured tendons are the patella tendon (connecting the kneecap to the shinbone) and the quadriceps tendon (connecting the thigh muscles to the kneecap).
Meniscal tears – The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone. Sudden twisting motions can cause tears.
Mechanical Problems
Loose body – Sometimes, a piece of bone or cartilage breaks off and floats in the joint space, causing the knee to lock up.
Iliotibial band syndrome – The iliotibial band runs along the outside of the thigh and can become tight, rubbing against the outer femur. This is also known as ‘runner’s knee’ and may cause a clicking sensation.
Dislocated kneecap – This occurs when the kneecap slides out of place.
Hip or foot pain – Pain from the hip or foot can radiate to the knee.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis – The most common type of arthritis, caused by wear and tear on the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
Gout – A type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Pseudogout – Similar to gout, but caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits in the joints.
Other Problems
Osgood-Schlatter disease – A condition affecting children and adolescents, causing pain and swelling below the kneecap.
Osteochondritis dissecans – A condition affecting cartilage and bone in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and joint locking.
Infections – The knee joint can become infected.
Tumors – Bone tumors can occur in the knee joint.
An Osteopath’s View on Knee Pain
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopaths believe that the body’s structure and function are closely interconnected. They use hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal imbalances. When it comes to knee pain, osteopathy aims to:
Restore normal joint mechanics
Reduce muscle tension
Improve nerve function
Reduce inflammation
The Link Between the Knee and the Pelvis
Knee pain is often not just about the knee joint itself. Since the knee connects the ankle and hip, dysfunction in the pelvis or foot can lead to knee problems. Many of the muscles responsible for bending and extending the knee originate from the pelvis, meaning that imbalances there can cause excessive strain on the knee joint.
If there are issues in the pelvic girdle, these muscles may become twisted or tight, placing added pressure on the knee. This can affect knee positioning and alter how forces travel through the leg when walking.
Marion’s Top Tip: Don’t Neglect Your Hips!
Strengthening and mobilizing the hip muscles can relieve pressure on the knee and improve movement patterns. Incorporating targeted hip exercises can be an effective way to address knee pain at its root cause. If you’re struggling with knee pain, consider a holistic approach—your knees (and hips) will thank you!
Laser Therapy for Knee Pain
Over the past year, we have found laser therapy particularly useful for treating knee pain, especially in cases of arthritis. Some recoveries have been so remarkable that even we have been surprised by the results! When combined with hands-on treatment and rehabilitation exercises, laser therapy can make a significant difference.
How Laser Therapy Works
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that affects many joints in the body. With activity and age, joint surfaces become damaged, and while the body attempts to repair them, permanent structural changes may occur. This can lead to swelling, pain, and discomfort, often accompanied by stiffness and a ‘crunching’ sensation during movement.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common form of the condition, affecting both men and women, though it is more common in females over 50. Risk factors include:
Previous knee injuries
Other joint conditions such as gout
Age and family history
Obesity
Gender
Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy is a painless treatment that reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling, helping you feel more comfortable quickly. By improving movement and reducing discomfort, this therapy allows individuals to return to activities they enjoy more easily.
If you or someone you know is interested in how MLS laser therapy could help, feel free to get in touch.
Get Your Knee Pain Assessed
If you or someone you know is suffering from knee pain, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Early assessment and treatment can help you return to activity and regain mobility sooner than you think. Book an appointment today to start moving again!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELIZABETH DUFFIN (B.Ost, Bsc hons, msc )
Elizabeth graduated from the British School of Osteopathy (now the University College of Osteopathy) in 2005 and has over 19 years of experience practising in Sussex and Surrey. She treats patients of all ages and uses a hands-on, individualised approach combining manual treatment, movement testing and exercise prescription to support recovery and long-term wellbeing.
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