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Knee Pain! Could it be….Osgood Schlatters? Patellofemoral Pain? Meniscus Tear? Patella Tendionpathy? or something else?
Knee pain is a common issue for both the general population and athletes. Knee injuries can be caused by multiple factors including overuse, trauma, degermation or genetic conditions.
It can be hard to know when to see a physio for knee pain, however if you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek treatment to decrease the likelihood of long term damage i.e Osteoarthritis.
Knee Pain Symptoms
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Giving way/instability
Crunching/clicking (with associated pain)
Knee Pain Causes
Ligament injuries e.g. ACL
Meniscal tears
Patellofemoral pain
Patella or quadriceps tendinopathy
ITB related pain
Osgood Schlatter’s disease
Muscle injuries e.g. hamstring
Arthritis
How Physios help with Knee Pain
Diagnoises
Muscle strengthening and endurance
Activity/exercise modification
Mobility
Swelling reduction
Strapping/braces
Soft tissue massage
Dry needling
Osgood Schlatter’s
Osgood Schlatter disease is most common in young men aged 12-15 and women aged 8-12.
About 10% of people will experience Osgood Schlatter related pain during their adolescent years.
Potential causes
Genetics
Overuse
Weakness (relative to activity)
What is Osgood Schlatter’s disease and why does it occur?
Osgood Schlatter’s is an injury caused by overuse or repetitive movements of the knee whilst a child or teenager is growing. This causes pain as the growth plates at the bottom of the knee have not fully fused together. Essentially, it is overloading the patella tendon as the body is still growing.
This is a condition that is important to get onto early. It can be very frustrating as it can limit the amount a teenager is able to run or play sports but if activity levels are not reduced, the condition will go on for longer.
Signs and Symptoms
Pain below the knee cap when running or jumping
Painful to touch
Pain at the beginning of exercise
Enlarged bony bump below the knee cap
How can Physio help?
Altering exercise type and intensity to keep the pain at bay
Strengthening lower limb muscles/tendons (particularly quadriceps)
Education on the problem and a comprehensive management plan
Soft tissue massage/dry needling
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or Runners Knee
Also referred to as runners’ knee, Patellofemoral pain is a very common condition. The source of pain comes from behind the knee cap.
Potential Causes
Weakness (relative to activity) of the quadriceps or gluteal muscles
Training overload
Prolonged positions or postures
Signs & Symptoms of Runners Knee
Pain when running
Pain when walking down stairs
Pain when bending the knee
Pain when sitting for long periods
Diffuse pain around the knee
Feeling of tightness around the knee
How can Physio help?
Modifying physical activity to decrease the pain (we will try keep you active if possible)
Strengthening the quadriceps and gluteal muscle
Taping
Soft tissue massage/Dry needling
Education on the problem and a comprehensive management plan
Meniscus Tears
The knee meniscus is a fibrocartilage rim that separates your thigh bone (femur) from your shin bone (tibia). It is a unique structure that is wedged and kidney-shaped. Some people refer to it as the shock absorber of the knee. It plays a big role in rotational stability and force absorption through the knee
Meniscal tears are common, and in young people are usually a result of trauma-often during sport. The meniscus is typically injured when twisting on a slightly bent knee. It is also common to injure your meniscus in conjunction with an ACL tear.
In older people, the meniscus can be damaged due to age-related degeneration.
Meniscus injuries do not always require surgery. It is important to see a physio to determine the severity and best course of treatment.
Potential Causes
Trauma due to a twisting event or a fall
Weak supporting muscles around the knee
Signs & Symptoms
Pain in the knee (meniscal tears may also be painfree)
Swelling
Clicking or clunking of the knee
Locking of the knee (unable to move)
Instability/giving way of knee
How can Physio help?
Diagnosis
Referral for scans or sports/surgeon
Management/treatment plan
Exercises to restore motion of the knee
Strengthening program for the knee
Return to sport rehab
Patella Tendionpathy or Jumpers Knee
Patella tendinopathy is an extremely common overuse injury of the knee. It occurs when the patella tendon is overloaded beyond its ability to take force. It is also known as jumpers’ knee and therefore seen commonly in sports such as basketball.
The patella tendon is located just below the knee cap. It attaches and transfers force between the quadriceps muscles to the shin bone. Therefore, a huge amount of force goes through the patella tendon which is why tendinopathy is a common complaint.
Potential Causes
Weakness (relative to activity)
A sudden increase in activity levels
Overuse
Direct trauma to tendon (uncommon)
Signs & Symptoms
Pain below the kneecap
Pain when running or jumping
Pain that improves after ‘warming up’
Pain with quadricep-based gym exercises
Pain touching below the knee cap
Swelling
How can Physio help?
Correct diagnosis and management plan
Altering activity to decrease pain
Strengthening of quadriceps and lower limb muscles
Sports specific training
Soft tissue release/Dry needling