Is My Knee Pain Arthritis?
A common cause of knee pain is arthritis, typically osteoarthritis when the cartilage within the knee joint has worn away. This can affect not only the joint but also the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by excessive stresses to the knee including repeated overuse (such as in some sports) and excess weight.
Indications of arthritis in your knee/s include swelling, pain, reduced movement, morning stiffness, plus the knee may lock or click when it is straightened and flexed.
What Causes Injuries to the Knee Cartilage?
The knee cartilage, known as the meniscus, is tough and rubbery. Simply put, it acts as a shock absorber between your tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).
Knee cartilage is easily injured if you apply a rotating force while your knee is weight-bearing – a common occurrence for footballers and rugby players among others.
Your symptoms are likely to include pain when you straighten your knee, discomfort on/around the knee and some swelling.
Your knee may feel like it “locks” or it could even give way suddenly when you put weight through it.
What Causes Pain Around the Kneecap?
Softening of the knee cap cartilage is known as chondromalacia patellae and is more common in young adults.
It means the kneecap can no longer glide smoothly over the lower end of the thigh bone. This causes the kneecap to rub on the bone, wearing away the underlying cartilage.
Symptoms include dull pain around or under the kneecap, worsening pain when you walk downstairs or hills, and possibly pain when weight-bearing or climbing stairs as the bent knee bears weight and then straightens.
It’s an injury which is common in skiers, cyclists and football players, and can be caused by injury, misalignment, or muscle weakness.
How do You Treat Knee Pain?
Our osteopathic team can diagnose the underlying cause of your knee pain and offer a range of elite-level treatments using a combination of advanced technology, tissue massage and we offer longer-term exercise and rehabilitation support.
In some cases, anti-inflammatory medication and/or knee surgery may also be required.
Prices:
Principal Osteopath:
Initial Consultation: £65
Follow-up Consultation: £60
Osteopath:
Initial Consultation: £55
Follow-up Consultation: £50