Knee pain is extremely common, often as a result of sports injuries, strain or trauma or poor alignment of foot and ankle. The pain can severely affect your ability to walk comfortably and therefore can have an effect on your mobility and quality of life. The knee joints are prone to injury due to its complex anatomy and the combined direction of strain which occurs during most sports or physical activities, while supporting the body’s weight.
Common causes of knee and ankle pain include:
- Damage to cartilage, ligaments, muscles, or bone
- Soft tissue injuries
- Sports injuries – sideways or rotational stresses or forced flexion or extension
- Tendonitis
- Fracture
- Arthritis
- Improper bio-mechanics of foot and ankle
- Direct/impact trauma
Common knee pain symptoms
- Pain in the knee or can refer pain down the shin region
- Tenderness in the knee
- Redness around the affected area
- Swelling of the knee
- Stiffness when trying to move
- Numbness or tingling
- Limping when trying to walk
- Locking of the knee, inability to fully straighten
- Trouble with knee motion
- Problems bearing weight thru the knee
- Grinding/clicking – crepitus
- Giving way, the knee lets you down
Knee Treatment
- Exercise prescription
- Taping, bandaging, splinting, bracing
- Electrotherapy – Ultrasound
- Stretching, mobilisation
- Massage
- Orthotic to address poor foot and ankle alignment
Self Help
- Rest/unload
- Non weight bearing with crutches or with stick
- Compress
- Pain Medication – anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice Pack
- Elevate
- Movement/exercise
- Supportive taping, bandaging, braces
- Or make an appointment
