Understanding the Root Causes of Knee Pain: Common Culprits Behind Your Discomfort
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages, and understanding the root causes is the first step toward finding relief. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or simply going about your daily activities, knee pain develops over time or suddenly. One of the most common culprits is overuse. Repetitive movements, like running or jumping, can lead to painful conditions.
Common overuse issues we see are
- Tendinitis’ (patella, hamstring, groin)
- Overuse meniscal tears
- Osteoarthritis
- ITB friction syndrome
- Patellofemoral pain
- Fat pad impingement (Hoffa’s syndrome)
- Osgood Schlatter’s Disease (in kids)
Another major cause is injury. A sudden twist, fall, or direct blow to the knee can result in ligament tears, like an ACL injury, or meniscus damage, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.
Common injuries we see are
- Ligament tears (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL)
- Muscle tears (quad, hamstring, groin, ITB)
- Acute meniscal tears
- Fractures
- Patella dislocations
Lastly, biomechanical issues (or the way our joints formed – thanks mum and dad!) of the hip, knee, and foot can place extra stress on the knee joint, exacerbating pain. Identifying the underlying cause of your knee pain is crucial, as it guides the appropriate treatment and prevents further injury.
Why Over-the-Counter Remedies Aren’t Enough: The Limitations of Temporary Relief
When knee pain strikes, it’s tempting to reach for over the counter (OTC) remedies like painkillers or topical creams. While these solutions can provide temporary relief, they often fall short of addressing the root cause of the pain. OTC painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, work by reducing inflammation and masking pain, but they don’t treat the underlying issue.
Another common remedy people turn to is braces or wraps. While these can offer support and reduce strain on the knee which is very helpful in the short-term. Over-reliance on braces can lead to weakened muscles around the knee, which can exacerbate the problem in the long run.
Your Path to Pain-Free Movement: What to Expect from a Personalized Physiotherapy Plan
When you start at Fixio, the process begins with a comprehensive assessment. Your physiotherapist will evaluate your knee pain, considering your medical history, lifestyle, and specific activities that might be contributing to the problem. They’ll also perform physical tests to assess your range of motion, strength, and how your knee functions during movement – getting you on the treadmill, squatting or on our ForceDecks!
Based on this assessment, your physiotherapist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. By combining targeted exercises with manual therapy techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and advanced treatments such as dry needling not only relieves pain but also restores function and prevents future problems.
Your plan at home (homework…) will include a combination of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve flexibility, and enhance overall joint stability so that you can get the most out of our sessions. Getting you back as fast as possible! Book in for a session now!
