Knee Pain
Why is the knee so vulnerable to injury?
The joint is vulnerable to injury and pain because it not only needs to swing back and forth, but also act as a shock absorber when supporting your body weight. The large thigh muscles work well to bend and straighten the knee, but they are not designed to control the large torsional loads often associated with playing sport.
How do knees work?
Knees work with the help of four main ligaments which provide joint stability. The anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligaments prevent the femur (thigh bone) from sliding forward or backward on the tibia (shin bone), but most importantly they provide rotational stability. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments prevent the femur from sliding side to side. The two C-shaped pieces of cartilage, called the medial and lateral menisci, act as shock absorbers. Several bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, help your knee move smoothly.
What type of injuries can occur to the knee?
Due to the high loads placed on your knee joint, it is susceptible to both acute and chronic injury. Acute injuries tend to involve sports with twisting and sudden change of direction such as football and tennis.
Typical acute injuries we see:
- ACL rupture
- MCL tear
- Cartilage (meniscal) tear
- Patella dislocation/subluxation
Chronic conditions tend to occur from repeated loading and poor biomechanics.
Typical chronic conditions we see:
- Osteoarthritis
- Total Knee Replacement
- Anterior knee pain – patellofemoral (kneecap) dysfunction
- Patella tendinopathy
- Pre-patella bursitis
- Runner’s knee (ITB or Iliotibial Band Syndrome)
How can we help at Lilyfield Physio?
Whatever your age, activity level, or whether your knee pain is acute or chronic in nature, physiotherapy can help. With our extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and exercise rehabilitation, we will help you;
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Address any poor biomechanics of your knee and lower limb
- Build muscle strength and get back on track.
- Prevent further injury