Treatment for Knee Pain
The knee is a very complex joint. There are a wide number of structures which can become damaged causing pain in and around the knee. Acute knee pain can be most often attributed to damage of the meniscus (cartilage inside the knee. Or ligaments around/inside the joint.
Damage to the meniscus can be due to trauma or simply degenerative. Traumatic onset can typically involve twisting through the knee whilst the foot is grounded. This can be associated with a ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’ noise. People often will feel ‘catching’ in the knee or report it to ‘lock’ or ‘give way’. Swelling with traumatic onset is usually rapid, with degenerative tears this may happen very slowly. Meniscus injury is often accompanied by a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) inside the knee. This commonly occurs in sports when jumping, pivoting or decelerating. Symptoms are much the same as meniscus injury.
The medial collateral ligament(MCL) on the inside of the knee is also vulnerable to injury. Again often in conjunction with meniscus and ACL injury. All three of these structures can suffer damaged isolated as well as together.
Patella tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain and fat pad impingement can all cause pain over the front of the knee. Pain caused by damage to the patella tendon (Patella tendinopathy) is usually felt just under the knee cap (Patella). There may be slight tenderness over this area. It can be aggravated by squatting and climbing stairs. Swelling is rare but the tendon can become thick.
Patellofemoral pain is caused by altered movement of the patella over the femur (thigh bone) it is common amongst runners, pain is vague and there may be slight swelling. ‘Creaking’ and ‘clunking’ in the knee is often reported. This is often associated with abnormalities of biomechanics so it is important to address these factors.
Fat pad impingement is associated with repeated extension of the knee, pain can be very acute. There is usually tenderness just under the patella and it may appear ‘puffy’.
Iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndrome (ITBFS) effects the outer part of the knee, it is caused by friction between the ITB and the femur often reffered to as ‘runners knee’. An ache will be felt over the outer part of the knee which will be aggravated by running, longer or downhill runs tend to aggravate the pain more. There is usually localised tenderness over the area alongside trigger points in the TFL and gluts. Abnormalities in biomechanics are strongly associated with ITBFS so it is important that the practitioner performs a gait analysis.
Your Osteopath will take a detailed case history and use a variety of clinical tests to diagnose which structures are damaged, then treat and manage appropriately using a combination of manual therapy, advice and exercise rehabilitation.
Tali Rayner M.Ost
Tali Rayner graduated from the British School of Osteopathy obtaining a Masters Degree in Osteopathy. Since graduating she has also completed training in Acupuncture and Medical dry needling lead by Dr Anthony Campbell.
She is registered with the General Osteopathic Council as well as the British Osteopathic Association. She has worked in a number of clinical settings including working with a professional rugby and football team.
Tali is structural in her approach to osteopathic assessments and uses a variety of treatment techniques including medical dry needling in conjunction with osteopathic techniques.
As part of your assessment Tali will assess work related ergonomic issuesor sport related training techniques, which may be contributing and maintaining injuries and pain. Tali will prescribe exercises as part of your rehabilitation and stabilisation of an injury or longer term postural complaint.
Appointment Times (at Fybre Fitness): Wednesday 5-9pm and Friday 7-11am
Testimonials:
Before I saw Tali, I suffered chronic and consistent sciatic pain. Her specialist treatment immediately alleviated the worst symptoms and quickly enabled me to return to the fully active lifestyle I had missed. Friendly and highly skilled, Tali takes the time to put her patients at ease and discuss their needs. She also directs you to everyday exercises and lifestyle changes that strengthen the body against future injury. Thank you Tali.
– V. George
For the first time in the last 6 years I am beginning to walk without pain and without the anticipation of pain when I come to stairs or other more challenging activities . . . . I would highly recommend Tali to anyone considering osteopathy.
– A. Sharman
Appointments:
For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk