Knee Injuries

There are lots of causes of knee pain and the first thing we need to do in clinic is assess and diagnose the correct injury. If you can do some reading before you come into clinic you may find it easier to describe your symptoms. Here are some of the main causes of knee pain..

  1. Traumatic injuries: Injuries such as sprains, strains, ligament tears (e.g., ACL or MCL tears), meniscus tears, and fractures can lead to knee pain. These injuries often result from accidents, sports activities, or falls.

  2. Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Continuous or excessive use of the knee joint, such as in running, jumping, or activities that involve bending and straightening the knee repeatedly, can cause overuse injuries, including tendonitis and bursitis.

  3. Arthritis: Various types of arthritis can affect the knee joint, including osteoarthritis (wear and tear of joint cartilage), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition), and gout. Arthritis can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

  4. Tendonitis: Tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons around the knee joint. This can result from overuse, repetitive movements, or sudden increases in activity.

  5. Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint) become inflamed due to overuse or trauma. It can cause pain and swelling.

  6. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Also known as "runner's knee," PFPS is characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap. It often occurs due to improper tracking of the patella (kneecap) along the groove in the femur.

  7. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): ITBS is common in runners and can result in pain on the outer side of the knee due to friction between the iliotibial band and the knee joint.

  8. Rheumatological Conditions: Conditions like lupus or psoriatic arthritis can affect the knee joint and cause pain and inflammation.

  9. Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a wedge-shaped cartilage in the knee that can tear due to injury or degeneration, leading to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.

  10. Osgood-Schlatter Disease: This is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents, often associated with overuse during growth spurts. It affects the area just below the kneecap.

  11. Infections: Rarely, infections can develop in the knee joint, causing severe pain, swelling, and fever.

  12. Alignment Issues: Problems with the alignment of the knee joint, such as knock knees or bow legs, can lead to chronic knee pain.

  13. Obesity: Excess body weight can place extra stress on the knee joints, contributing to pain and increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis.

  14. Nerve Compression: Conditions like a herniated disc in the lower back can cause nerve compression, leading to radiating pain down the leg and sometimes affecting the knee.

  15. Referred Pain: Pain originating from other parts of the body, such as the hip or lower back, can sometimes be felt in the knee.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent knee pain, as they can assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Shoulders/Rotator Cuff injury

Rotator cuff injuries refer to damage or tears in the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, known as the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize and allow movement of the shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to various reasons, including acute trauma, repetitive overuse, or degenerative changes in the tendons. Common types of rotator cuff injuries include:

  1. Rotator cuff tendonitis: This refers to inflammation or irritation of the rotator cuff tendons, often caused by repetitive overhead motions or excessive stress on the shoulder. It can result in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.

  2. Rotator cuff tears: A tear can occur in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons, either as a partial tear or a complete tear. Tears can be acute, resulting from a sudden injury, or degenerative, developing gradually over time. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, difficulty lifting or moving the arm, and a clicking or popping sensation.

  3. Rotator cuff impingement: This condition involves the compression or pinching of the rotator cuff tendons between the bones of the shoulder joint, particularly the acromion (a bony prominence on the scapula) and the humeral head (upper arm bone). Impingement can lead to pain, inflammation, and limited shoulder mobility.

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries can vary depending on the severity and specific nature of the injury. Non-surgical approaches may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, pain management, and activity modification.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Osteopathy and Physiotherapy are often the most effective was of treating rotator cuff pain.