What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions we see at Your Podiatry People. Knee pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can be temporary or chronic. Knee pain can impact daily activities, participation in sports, mobility, and quality of life.

Some common types of knee pain:

Anterior knee pain

Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or runner’s knee, is a common condition, which causes pain and discomfort in the front of the knee. Itt mainly affects the area around or under the kneecap (patella) where it articulates with the thighbone (femur). Anterior knee pain is common in athletes, including runners, and individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive knee movements.

What causes anterior knee pain?

• Overuse or repetitive strain
• Muscle imbalance
• Patellar tracking issues – When the patella does not move smoothly within its groove in the femur, it can cause rubbing and irritation, resulting in pain.
• Malalignment of the lower extremity: Structural issues, such as flat feet or knock knees (genu valgum), can affect the distribution of forces through the knee joint, contributing to anterior knee pain.
• Poor biomechanics.

Anterior knee pain symptoms

• Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, especially under or around the patella
• Pain aggravated by activities that involve knee flexion, such as climbing stairs, squatting, or running downhill.
• Pain with prolonged sitting, especially with the knees bent
• Swelling or tenderness around the patella

Medial knee pain

This refers to pain and discomfort on the inner side (medial aspect) of the knee joint. The pain originates from structures on the inner part of the knee, such as the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the medial meniscus, or the medial joint line.

What causes medial knee pain?

• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury
• Medial meniscus tear:
• Arthritis:
• Overuse or repetitive strain
• Pes anserine bursitis

Medial knee pain symptoms

• Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the knee.
• Swelling or inflammation in the area.
• Clicking or popping sensations.
• Pain worsened by activities that stress the medial knee.

Lateral knee pain

Lateral knee pain refers to pain and discomfort experienced on the outer side of the knee joint.

What causes lateral knee pain?

• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury
• Lateral meniscus tear
• Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
• Bursitis
• Overuse or repetitive strain

Lateral knee pain symptoms

• Pain or tenderness on the outer side of the knee
• Swelling or inflammation in the area
• Clicking or popping sensations
• Pain worsened by activities that stress the lateral knee

Knee Pain treatments:

• REST: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation
• Ice application to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief
• Compression
• Strapping/Taping
• Physical therapy
• Pain relief
• Physiotherapy
• Corticosteroid injections