Knee pain is something almost everyone experiences at some point in their life, whether it’s from overuse, injury, or age-related wear and tear. Some of the most common causes include;

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially in older adults (50+). It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint breaks down. This results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes a reduced range of motion. OA is usually gradual, worsening over time, and can make simple activities like walking or climbing stairs painful.

2. Ligament Sprains

Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that connect bones together and help stabilize the joint. In the knee, injuries to the ligaments are common, especially among athletes. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most frequent, typically caused by sudden stops or changes in direction, like in basketball or soccer. These sprains can cause pain, instability, reduced function and swelling in the knee.

3. Tendonitis

Tendons connect muscle to bone are are integral to the overall function of the joint. Patellar tendonitis is the most common knee tendinitis. It occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed. This is a common injury among athletes who frequently jump. The pain is typically felt just below the kneecap and worsens with activity, especially during jumping or running.

4. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee bones. It can tear due to sudden twisting movements or just from wear and tear over time. A tear can cause pain, swelling and reduce range of motion. Symptoms often worsen gradually over time.

5. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

PFPS is a complex cause of anterior knee pain, associated with no structural changes or chondral damage. The syndrome is associated with patellar maltracking, altered knee mechanics and maladaptation’s up or down the leg.

6. Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. It can lead to sudden and severe knee pain, along with swelling and redness. Gout attacks often affect one joint at a time. This condition is more common in men and can be triggered by factors like diet, dehydration, or certain medications.

7. Knee Fractures

Fractures to the knee bones—such as the patella (kneecap), femur (thigh bone), or tibia (shin bone)—can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the knee. Knee fractures are typically the result of trauma.

8. Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that usually affects growing adolescents, particularly those involved in sports. It occurs when the tendon that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed and irritating its bony insertion, leading to pain and swelling just below the knee. It typically resolves once they stop growing.

How Osteopathy Can Help With Knee Pain

Osteopathy offers a holistic and effective approach to treatment. Osteopaths focus on improving the function of the body’s musculoskeletal system through hands-on techniques. If you’re suffering from knee pain, osteopathy can help you find relief and improve mobility.

1. Improving Joint Mobility

Osteopaths use gentle mobilisation techniques to improve the mobility of the knee joint. These techniques involve stretching, massage, and joint mobilizations to help loosen stiff or tight muscles and tissues around the knee. By improving joint mobility, osteopathy can help reduce pain and stiffness, allowing for better movement and flexibility in the knee.

2. Addressing Muscular Imbalances

Knee pain can be caused or aggravated by muscular imbalances around the joint. Osteopaths assess the alignment and functioning of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the knee and work to correct imbalances.

3. Alleviating Inflammation

Inflammation in the knee joint can be a major cause of pain. Osteopathic treatments can help reduce inflammation through techniques NMT and lymphatic drainage. These methods promote better circulation and help the body clear waste products, leading to a reduction in swelling and pain.

4. Treating the Whole Body

One of the core principles of osteopathy is the belief in treating the whole body, not just the site of pain. Knee pain, especially when chronic, may be related to issues in other parts of the body, such as the hips, lower back, or ankles. Osteopaths assess your entire body and can treat contributing factors outside of the knee to promote better overall function and reduce pain.

5. Individualized Treatment Plan

Osteopaths provide personalized care tailored to your specific condition. Whether you have osteoarthritis, a ligament injury, tendonitis, or general wear and tear, your osteopath will create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. This individualized approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate care for your type of knee pain and recovery goals.

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