Are you in pain? Knee Pain

Knee Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

 

Treatment Recommended: Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, or Podiatry

 

Knee pain can be caused by a sudden injury, an overuse injury, or by an underlying condition, such as arthritis or poor foot mechanics. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. Our team of Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and Podiatrists work together to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment. If you are unsure who to see, please call and speak to one of our health care team.

 

 

Common Types of Knee Injury: Causes & Treatment

 

Cartilage or Meniscal Injury 

 

Pain over the joint line and reduced range of movement with swelling and locking are typical.
The cartilage[meniscus] is the shock absorber of the knee and is made of cartilage There are two cartilages in the knee one on the inside [medial] one on the outside lateral] injury occurs when the foot is fixed and the knee twists. 

 

 

Ilio-Tibial Band Injury (ITB)

 

The Iliotibial band is a strong, thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. It is attached to muscles in the buttock area and on the outer side of the hip and runs along the outer thigh and attaches on the outside edge of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. It is responsible for stabilizing the thigh bone during weight-bearing activities such as walking and running. Occasionally the Iliotibial can become irritated and inflamed resulting in pain. This is a condition known as Iliotibial Band Syndrome or ‘Runners Knee’.

 

Medial and lateral Collateral Ligament Injury

 

The medial [inside] and lateral [outside]collateral ligaments
(MCL)[LCL] is one of four ligaments that are very important to the stability of the knee joint. A ligament is made of tough fibrous material and functions to control excessive movement in the joint.  The MCL runs along the inside of the knee between the end of the thigh bone (femur) to the top of the shin bone (tibia). The LCL runs along the outside of the knee between the end of the thigh bone (femur) to the top of the shin bone (tibia). When the ligament is overstretched it can result in injury, inflammation, and pain on the inside of the knee if MCL and outside of the knee if LCL. In more severe cases this can also result in cartilage damage and/or the anterior cruciate ligament at the same time.

 

Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

 

The anterior cruciate (ACL)and posterior cruciate ligaments are two of four ligaments that are very important to the stability of the knee joint. The ACL and PCL are positioned in the centre of the knee joint and connects the base of the thigh bone (femur) with the top of the shin bone (tibia). The ACL mainly resists forward movement of the shinbone and the PCL backward movement.  When the ligaments are overstretched it can result in injury, inflammation, and pain on the inside ACL or outside PCL of the knee. This results in varying degrees of instability depending on the extent of the injury.

 

 

Clinicians will often refer to a grading system which classifies the extent of a knee injury:

 

• Grade I A mild injury that causes only microscopic tears. Although these tiny tears may stretch the ligament out of shape, they do not affect the overall ability of the knee joint to support your weight.

• Grade II A moderate injury in which the A/P CL is partially torn. The knee can be somewhat unstable and can “give way” periodically when you stand or walk.

• Grade III A severe injury in which the ACL or PCL are completely torn through and the knee feels very unstable

 

Book an appointment with one of our expert clinicians today for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan!