Knee Pain

A sprain, commonly known as a “strain”, is an injury to one or more ligaments, the structures that connect bones together and provide joint stability. Depending on the severity of the injury, the ligament may be stretched, partially torn, or completely torn.

Typical symptoms of a knee sprain are a feeling of joint instability and pain, present both when bending and unbending the knee and when changing direction. Depending on which ligament is affected, the pain may be in the knee, on the inner side or on the outer side. You may also notice swelling (edema) or bruising.

The healing time for a sprain varies depending on the ligament affected and the severity of the injury, but is generally between 4 and 12 weeks.

Patellofemoral syndrome, or “runner’s knee,” is an irritation of the cartilage, the tissue that covers the femur and patella in the knee.

It’s a common injury after heavy and unusual exertion, such as a long hike, repeated jumps, or going for a run as a new runner. Experienced runners are also prone to this injury when training parameters, such as distance, intensity or speed, are increased too quickly. Patellofemoral syndrome can also develop in young women during adolescence, due to the change in morphology that alters the angle of the knee and the pressure on the patella.

Although the causes of patellofemoral syndrome vary from person to person, the symptoms are always essentially the same: widespread pain in the front of the knee that increases when climbing stairs or walking on sloped ground, when in a squatting position or on your knees, or after a long period of sitting.

A daily exercise program consisting of muscle activation, strengthening and stabilization helps heal the tissue and significantly reduces the duration of symptoms.

The iliotibial band is a large band of fibrous tissue that connects the hip to the tibia on the outer side of the thigh. It helps keep the knee stable. Iliotibial band syndrome is caused by too much friction of the band on the knee’s bony surface.

The pain is usually experienced on the outer side of the knee, mainly when it is slightly bent. For athletes, it is often caused by an increase in training parameters, such as intensity or distance. It occurs frequently in runners and cyclists.

A typical symptom of bursitis is a warm, diffuse pain in the knee, which may be constant and keep you awake at night. Your knee movements can be painful, and you may also observe swelling in the affected knee.

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled pad located in the joint. The bursa reduces the friction between the tendons and the bones of the knee. This type of injury can be caused by a fall on the joint, prolonged compression (for example, staying on the knees for a long time) or repeated and unusual muscle contraction.

Inflammation or chronic irritation of a tendon, caused by intense effort or repetitive movements. It presents as sharp pain during or after activity.

How do you know if it’s knee tendinitis?

If there has been no fall or awkward movement and your pain appeared gradually or after repetitive motions, it is very likely that you are dealing with tendinitis.

Can you walk with knee tendinitis?

Generally, it is recommended to limit activities that trigger your pain. If walking is not symptomatic, you can continue; however, if it causes pain, it would be preferable to reduce it and/or use a walking aid such as a cane.

How long does knee tendinitis last?

Tendinitis can resolve within 8 to 12 weeks if appropriate rehabilitation management is undertaken.

When a meniscus is torn, the pain is often at the joint, where the femur and tibia meet. In some cases, this pain may spread over a larger area. You might also feel a lock in your knee, another common symptom of a torn meniscus.

The menisci of the knee serve as shock absorbers and increase the knee’s stability. Each knee has two: the inner side and the outer side. To injure a meniscus, an extreme flexion, extension or twisting movement must occur while the foot is on the ground.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a bony growth that develops on the front of the tibia, below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches. In the beginning, there is also inflammation at the site of the lesion.
It appears in adolescence, more often in athletes and boys. At some stage of growth, the muscles in front of the thigh become stronger than the bone. When these muscles are used a lot, as in certain sports, the body can react by producing more bone at the point of attachment.

If not treated properly, the bony growth can continue to grow and make the kneeling position permanently uncomfortable or even painful. As soon as pain or a bony point appears on the tibia, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Physiotherapy treatments provide very good results and help relieve pain by releasing pressure on the knee. Taping (adhesive tapes glued to the skin) and orthoses can be used temporarily to maintain a certain level of athletic activity.