Knee Pain... Where To Find The Latest Treatment Information.What is knee pain?There are commonly two types of injuries which can cause knee pain:1. Acute injuries (eg. Ligament/cartilage tears) As podiatrists, we generally deal with the overuse type injuries. How do overuse injuries to the knee occur?Various factors can cause overuse injuries to the knee, including poor footwear, inappropriate training programs and inadequate training surfaces (eg. bitumen or soft sand).Another major cause of knee pain, which can often be overlooked, is abnormal alignment of the foot and lower leg. Excessively Pronated Feet - this causes excessive internal or medial rotation of the lower leg at the same time that the upper leg is rotating in the opposite direction due to forces produced during walking or running. The knee is the area that therefore must absorb these twisting forces, and thus injuries due to excessive strain or force can be the end result. Also, pronated feet result in a valgus, or 'knock-knee' position, which can contribute to various muscles exerting their forces in abnormal directions. High-arched feet - high arched, or excessively supinated feet, do not allow the shock absorption needed with normal knee flexion during walking. The knee must therefore take too much force to absorb this shock, and this can also lead to overuse injuries. Some Common Problems Causing Pain in the Knee...Iliotibial Band Syndrome - A band of thick tissue which runs down the outside of the thigh, and which crosses the outer side of the knee joint, is the iliotibial band. With excessive pronation, this band shortens over time and is therefore subject to pain and injury. Pain is felt on the outer edge of the knee joint. Osgood Schlatter's Disease - this commonly affects teenagers, and is an inflammation of the growth plate of the tibia (lower leg bone), which is situated just below the kneecap. How is knee pain treated?Knee pain caused by overuse generally responds well to conservative treatment if treated early. If disregarded, symptoms and treatment can last for several months and lead to the need for possible surgery. Conservative treatment involves:Training modification. Your training or activity schedule will be discussed and modified so that a successful and effective treatment can be administered. R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. As with any acute injury the RICE principle is paramount. It is necessary in the early stages of treatment to help fight the inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be required. Exercises - strengthening and stretching of muscles around the knee may be advised by your Podiatrist. Physical therapy Taping of the knee Wearing appropriate footwear.
Shoe information for knee pain sufferers
"Proudly South Australian Owned & Operated" WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist, your Doctor or your foot specialist. For more information on aching feet and many other foot pain, leg pain and back pain conditions please visit our Foot Pain Conditions page and click on the condition of interest to you. To find a Podiatrist or Foot Doctor near you visit our Find a Podiatrist page and click on your country.
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