Knee Pain: Diagnostic & Treatment
The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the human body. As a weight-bearing hinge joint, it is responsible for supporting your entire body weight while allowing for the fluid movement required for walking, running, and jumping. Because it sits between the hip and the ankle, the knee often acts as a shock absorber, making it highly susceptible to both acute injuries and long-term wear and tear.
Knee pain can be incredibly limiting, often making it painful to climb stairs, squat, or even walk on flat ground.
UNDERSTANDING THE KNEE JOINT
The Anatomy of the Knee
The knee joint is the meeting point of four major structures:
The Femur (Thigh Bone): The top part of the joint.
The Tibia (Shin Bone): The base of the joint.
The Patella (Kneecap): A “floating” bone that sits in a groove at the front of the femur, acting as a lever to increase the strength of your thigh muscles.
The Meniscus: Two C-shaped pads of tough, rubbery cartilage that act as “shock absorbers” between the femur and tibia.
Common Knee Conditions
Knee Osteoarthritis: The gradual thinning of the protective cartilage, leading to stiffness and deep aching.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Pain behind or around the kneecap, often aggravated by stairs or sitting for long periods.
Meniscal Tears: Damage to the shock-absorbing pads, which can cause the knee to “lock,” “pop,” or feel unstable.
ACL/LCL/MCL Sprains: Injuries to the ligaments that hold the bones together, often occurring during sports or sudden twists.
Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that forms at the back of the knee, often as a result of inflammation within the joint.
Precision is vital for knee health. Because the knee joint contains several distinct compartments, an injection or treatment must be placed exactly where the damage is located. At ProPlus Physio, our ultrasound-guided approach ensures 100% accuracy.
Knee Osteoarthritis
One of the most common causes of chronic knee pain we treat is Knee Osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative condition where the smooth articular cartilage that cushions the knee joint begins to thin and wear away. Without this protective layer, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and a loss of joint flexibility.
Signs you may be suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis include:
Pain that increases when you are active but gets a little better with rest.
Swelling and tenderness around the joint (often called “water on the knee”).
A feeling of stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
A “creaking” or “grinding” sensation when you move the joint.
The knee feeling weak or “giving way” during weight-bearing activities.
Treatment Approaches for Knee Pain:
Rest and Activity Modification: Temporarily reducing high-impact activities like running or jumping to allow tissues to heal.
Physiotherapy Exercises: Focused strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes to provide better structural support for the knee.
Heat or Ice Application: Used under clinical guidance to manage acute swelling or chronic stiffness.
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan: To visualize the meniscus, ligaments, and the presence of any “Baker’s Cyst” behind the knee.
Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections: Precise delivery of anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling quickly.
Hyaluronic Acid (Lubricant) Injections: Using ultrasound to inject “cushioning” fluid into the joint to improve ease of movement.
Aspiration of the Joint: Removing excess fluid (effusion) from the knee under ultrasound guidance to relieve pressure.
Arthrosamid® Injections: A specialized, non-degradable hydrogel used for long-term relief from knee osteoarthritis pain.
Surgery: Referral for knee arthroscopy or total knee replacement in advanced cases where conservative options are exhausted.
You don’t have to wait for a surgery list to get back to the activities you love. By combining expert physiotherapy with advanced diagnostic technology, we bridge the gap between “dealing with the pain” and “resolving the injury.”
Ready to stop guessing and start healing?
Contact ProPlus Physio today for a specialist assessment and diagnostic scan.