Knee Pain

Knee pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It may develop suddenly following an injury, gradually through overuse, or as a result of changes within the joint over time.

The knee is a complex weight-bearing joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles that work together to provide movement, strength and stability. When one of these structures becomes injured or irritated, everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising or even sitting for long periods can become uncomfortable.

At Foot, Ankle & Body Experts Health Clinic, we assess knee pain to identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan based on your individual needs.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

There are many possible causes of knee pain. Some develop following a specific injury, while others occur gradually over time.

Ligament Injuries

The ligaments of the knee help connect the bones of the joint and provide stability during movement.

Ligament injuries can occur when the knee is twisted, overstretched or subjected to sudden force. These injuries are commonly associated with sport, falls and sudden changes of direction.

Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may include:

Sudden knee pain
Swelling
A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way”
Reduced movement
Difficulty bearing weight
A popping sensation or sound at the time of injury

Ligament injuries can range from a mild sprain to a partial or complete tear. An assessment can help determine the severity of the injury and whether further imaging or specialist referral may be required.

Cartilage Injuries

Articular cartilage provides a smooth surface that allows the bones within the knee joint to move against each other with minimal friction.

Cartilage can become damaged following trauma, repetitive loading or gradual wear within the joint.

Symptoms can vary depending on the location and extent of the injury but may include:

Knee pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Reduced range of movement
Catching or clicking within the knee

Identifying the structure involved is important because cartilage-related pain can sometimes feel similar to other knee conditions.

Meniscus Tears

The menisci are two strong, flexible pads of cartilage located between the thigh bone and shin bone. They help distribute load through the knee and provide cushioning and stability.

A meniscus tear may occur following a twisting movement, particularly when the foot is planted and the knee is bearing weight. Meniscus changes can also develop gradually over time.

Common symptoms may include:

Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
Swelling
Clicking or catching
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
A feeling that the knee is locking or becoming stuck

Treatment will depend on the type of tear, your symptoms, activity level and overall function.

Tendonitis and Tendon Pain

The tendons around the knee connect muscles to bone and help transfer force during walking, running, jumping and other activities.

Knee tendon pain can develop following repetitive loading, sudden increases in activity or changes in the way the knee is being loaded.

Symptoms may include:

Localised pain around the tendon
Tenderness
Pain during exercise or activity
Stiffness after rest
Reduced tolerance to running, jumping or stairs

Patellar tendon problems are particularly common in active people and are sometimes referred to as jumper’s knee.

Treatment often focuses on identifying contributing factors and gradually improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate load.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint condition involving gradual changes to the cartilage and other structures within the knee.

It becomes more common with age but can also be influenced by previous knee injuries, genetics, body weight, joint alignment and other factors.

Symptoms may include:

Knee pain
Stiffness, particularly after rest
Swelling
Reduced range of movement
Clicking or grinding sensations
Difficulty with stairs, walking or prolonged activity

Having osteoarthritis does not necessarily mean you need to stop being active. Appropriate exercise, strengthening, load management and other treatment options can often help improve comfort and function.

Baker’s Cyst

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops behind the knee.

It can occur when the knee produces excess joint fluid, sometimes in association with conditions such as osteoarthritis, inflammation or a meniscus injury.

Symptoms may include:

A lump or feeling of fullness behind the knee
Tightness
Stiffness
Pain behind the knee
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee

Because swelling or pain behind the knee can have several possible causes, an appropriate assessment is important before treatment begins.

Assessment of Knee Pain

The first step in treating knee pain is understanding what is causing it.

At Foot, Ankle & Body Experts Health Clinic, your practitioner will assess your symptoms, medical history, movement and function to determine which structures may be contributing to your pain.

Depending on your presentation, your assessment may include:

Joint range of movement
Muscle strength
Ligament and stability testing
Functional movement assessment
Walking or running assessment
Bio-Mechanical assessment
Diagnostic Ultrasound where appropriate

If additional investigation is required, your practitioner may recommend or arrange further imaging, such as an X-ray, ultrasound or other appropriate investigation.

Once the likely cause of your knee pain has been identified, we can discuss suitable treatment options and develop a plan based on your condition, goals and activity level.