Knee Conditions

About the Knee:

 

Knee pain is very common, with many people experiencing some form of knee pain at some point in their life. Although knee pain can very painful, there is rarely a serious cause for the pain. For lots of people that experience knee pain, the pain will usually settle on its own within 6-12 weeks. This page will guide you to manage your recovery from knee pain and also advise when to seek help. 

Key Facts about the Knee

  • The knee is a joint made of 3 bones: the tibia (shin), femur (thigh), and patella (kneecap). 

  • Many people get knee pain without any actual damage to the joint or other structures around it (e.g. muscles, tendons and ligaments). 

  • Noises such as creaking and clicking are quite common in people without knee pain and rarely indicate damage or harm.

  • X-rays and scans often are not needed to find the cause of your knee pain.

  • Graded movement and exercise in most cases is not harmful to your knee and will actually help your pain by making the knee stronger and more mobile.

  • Maintaining a healthy weight and diet can have a positive impact on knee pain by reducing inflammation in the body and reducing the load on the knee joint.  

  • There are lots of things you can do by yourself to help you manage your knee pain (see below).

A number of different factors can contribute to the start of knee pain. These include:

  • An injury or trauma to the knee affecting muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons.

  • A sudden change in your activity levels (either increasing or decreasing). This can include things like increasing your running mileage when training for a marathon or an increase in walking while on holiday.

  • Conditions such as fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis | AHPS, Rheumatoid arthritis.

  • General lifestyle factors such as smoking and/or not maintaining a healthy weight or diet.

  • A period of life change such as: increased stress, low mood, poor sleep, increased fear or worry. 

People with knee pain may complain of any of the below changes. These could be on their own, or in any combination. The pain could be there all of the time, or it could come and go (depending on what position or activity you are doing).

  • Pain: this may be at the front, back or sides of the knee. The pain may be constant or intermittent. It may be worsened with certain movements or activities.  

  • Stiffness: The amount of stiffness may vary throughout the day. 

  • Stiffness after a period or rest or sleep. This usually improves within 30 minutes of movement.

  • Swelling.

  • Giving way.

For general knee exercises, click the link below

Knee Exercises