One of the most frequently injured joints in the human body, this is a major weight-bearing joint. The knee is the largest joint in the body. At the front of the knee joint is the patella or kneecap, which lies between the femur and tibia. Among its components are ligaments, muscles, the capsule, synovium, and the meniscus, which sits between the femur and tibia.
It is possible for symptoms of knee pain to develop as a result of damage, strain, or sprain to the knee structures. It may result from a sudden injury, such as a sports injury, or from repeatedly putting strain on one area of the knee. Knee alignment and joint mechanics in relation to other joints, such as the hips and knees, are often significant factors. In the knees, osteoarthritis or wear and tear are common conditions.
Knees can be hurt directly in sports injuries and falls or they may not have fully recovered following an operation. An improper running style, postural issues or an awkward gait can all impact the knee. I take a detailed and full case history about your knee and any other mechanical issues in the body and add this to a thorough postural and movement assessment to look for the cause, if it is not obvious.
Although some knee conditions may require surgery, others can be treated with the right exercise, advice and treatment. Knee pain can have a number of different causes, can be painful and debilitating. It is common for the knee to experience pain, stiffness, aching, locking, swelling, limping and difficulty fully straightening or bending it.
Knee problems may include…
- Clicking, Locking, Grinding.
- Osgood – Schlatters,
- Aches, Pains, ‘things just not right’
- Swelling, Arthritis, Water on the knee, Bakers Cyst.
- Housemaids Knee, Bursitis,
- Pain behind the knee cap,
- Fibromyalgia generally.
Osteopathy for Knee Pain
Knee pain is very common and is most often successfully treated with osteopathy, surgery is very rarely needed. As humans evolved from quadrupeds to standing on our hind legs, our knees are less well equipped then most other joints in the body, to resolve the subtle rotational forces from the surrounding tissues. The knee joint is quiet simply often over whelmed.
As the largest joint in the body, and one that supports a lot of weight, it’s one of the joints that’s most often in need of treatment. At our osteopathy clinic in South Molton, we see a lot of injured knees! There are a number of causes of knee pain, and although knee pain can be very painful, and sometimes may have quite an impact on your day to day life, with the right exercise, advice, and treatment we can get you moving again.
Treatment should follow to calm the injured area, addressing aggravating factors in the whole body and promote healing and recovery. As osteopaths we are trained to be able to tell you what is causing the pain in your knee. We can diagnose your problem and implement treatment to help you become pain free. Through massage and stretching, or manipulation of the affected area, we can get you back on your feet.
To make a diagnosis, X-rays, scans, and other tests may be needed, and an osteopath may refer you to a GP or specialist for further investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteopathy consultations at my North Devon clinic are £50. This normally is for a 45-minute session and applies to both initial assessments and any follow-up appointments.
As with any medical examination, you will probably be asked to undress to your underwear, so please wear something you are comfortable in.
Yes – if you wish, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment.
Some soft tissue treatment may cause discomfort during treatment. Suzanne will tell you what to expect, and will want you to let her know if you are in pain. You may feel stiff or sore after treatment. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment.
Suzanne usually looks at your posture and how you move your body. She may also assess what happens when she moves it for you and see what hurts, where and when.
Using touch, Suzanne may also find the areas which are sensitive or tight and this helps her to identify what’s going on. When Suzanne has done this, she can diagnose your condition. She may sometimes feel that osteopathy is not appropriate for you and refer you to your GP or another specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon.
Suzanne uses a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints.
Sometimes, when she moves a joint you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles. Suzanne may discuss exercises that you can do to improve your posture and movement in your workplace and everyday life.