Physiotherapy for Knee Pain

Knee pain can come from many different structures including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Repetitive activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs can irritate the knee joint and surrounding tissues, leading to soreness or inflammation. Pain at the knee cap or patella femoral pain is felt at the front of the knee, especially when going down stairs or sitting for long periods and is commonly linked to muscle imbalance or poor tracking of the kneecap. The ligaments that support the knee joint the can be injured with twisting or sudden impact. Common affected ligaments are the MCL, LCL, PCL and ACL. Injury to a ligament will cause instability in the knee joint. The meniscus is the cartilage that cushions your knee. A meniscus tear can cause pain, swelling, or a catching/locking feeling. Overuse can inflame tendons, especially below the kneecap. For example, patellar tendinitis is common in jumping sports. Wear-and-tear over time can lead to osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling and is more common as people age.

Physiotherapy is effective for reducing knee pain and will not only reduce the symptoms but will address the underlying cause which might include poor biomechanics or alignment. Weak hips, tight muscles, or flat feet can change how forces go through your knee, leading to pain over time. Persistent pain or swelling, inability to fully bend or straighten the joint, locking, clicking, grinding or a sensation of instability are all good reasons to pursue physiotherapy treatments for an irritated knee.