Conditions we Treat
Knee Pain
Introduction.
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can affect people of all ages. Whether it develops gradually or follows an injury, it can make walking, climbing stairs, exercising or simply getting out of a chair uncomfortable. Although knee pain can be worrying, many causes respond well to appropriate management. A thorough assessment is the best way to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
What is it?
Knee pain is a broad term describing discomfort arising from the knee joint or surrounding structures, including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles or the kneecap. Symptoms can occur after an injury or develop gradually over time. Because several different conditions can affect the knee, identifying the underlying cause is important before deciding on the most appropriate management.
Symptoms.
Knee pain may present as aching, sharp pain, stiffness or swelling around the joint. You may notice discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, running or standing after sitting for long periods. Some people experience clicking or a feeling of instability. Seek prompt medical assessment if pain follows significant trauma, you are unable to bear weight, the knee becomes severely swollen or deformed, or you develop fever alongside a hot, swollen joint.
Causes.
Knee pain rarely has a single cause and is often influenced by several factors. Ligament injuries, tendon problems, cartilage irritation, osteoarthritis, overuse, sporting activities, changes in training load, previous injury and age-related changes may all contribute. Pain may also be influenced by the way the hip, ankle and lower limb move together during everyday activities.
How we can help…
Following a comprehensive assessment, we will explain what may be contributing to your knee pain and discuss the management options most appropriate for you. Depending on your presentation, this may include chiropractic treatment where clinically appropriate, manual therapy, rehabilitation, education and advice. Recommendations are always based on your assessment findings, goals and personal preferences, with referral arranged if clinically indicated.
Rehabilitation and self-management.
Recovery from knee pain often involves maintaining appropriate movement while gradually improving strength, mobility and confidence. Activity modification, walking and a progressive return to exercise can help support recovery. Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals to help you return safely to everyday activities and sport.
What to expect at your assessment.
Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, activity levels and goals before an appropriate physical examination. We assess your knee, surrounding joints and movement patterns to identify the likely source of your symptoms. We will explain our findings clearly and discuss whether imaging or referral is appropriate if clinically indicated.
What happens next.
After your assessment, we will explain the likely diagnosis, discuss your prognosis and outline the management options available. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised management plan designed around your goals and monitor your progress over time. Recovery varies depending on the underlying cause of your knee pain and your individual circumstances.