Knee Pain

"A sharp pain in the knee and a grinding sensation, especially when getting up or walking up stairs".

Knee pain is experienced by a great many people. There are several types of knee pain. The description listed above is called Patello-femoral Syndrome or Chondromalacia Patellae. Other types of knee pain that are not so widespread include Sinding-Larson-Johansson Disorder, Patella Tendinitis and Bursitis. Osgood-Schlatter Disease occurs only in children and adolescents. Patello-femoral is also known as runner’s knee.

Symptoms

The most widespread type of chronic knee pain is the Patello-femoral Syndrome. This pain occurs beneath the kneecap (called the patella) and the thighbone (the femur) which connect at the knee. This condition is very painful and creates pain and tenderness in the front of the knee. The condition is also called Anterior Knee Pain. It is rare to experience pain behind the knee. The pain is made worse by sitting for long periods and then getting up. The pain is also worsened by climbing stairs. People often experience this condition as a crunching, grinding feeling in the knee joint.

What are the most common causes of knee pain?

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Aging leads to wear and tear in the joint. Knee pain can also be caused by undue stress (such playing rugby).

Sometimes the cartilage beneath the kneecap (the patella) begins to soften resulting in small areas of erosion causing pain in the knee. Instead of a smooth, easy glide over cartilage, the kneecap rubs directly against the thighbone (the femur). These changes can be mild or lead to complete erosion of the cartilage.

Over-pronation of the feet is another cause of knee pain. The knee acts as a hinge between the upper and lower leg. The knee is only supposed to flex and extend (pull up and pull down) the lower leg. With rotation, the knee is moved in an unnatural direction causing pain. The knee is not supposed to rotate.

When the foot over-pronates and rolls inwards, the lower leg has no choice but to rotate. This causes poor knee function that, over time, leads to hard wearing on the knee joint with long-term injury and pain.

Summary:

Definition: Knee Pain (Patello-femoral syndrome)

Symptoms: sharp pain and grinding sensation

Causes: wear & tear, age, faulty foot biomechanics (over-pronation)

Treatment: orthotic insoles to correct foot pronation; knee braces; exercises, physiotherapy

Knee pain treatment & relief

Footlogics orthotics alters the dynamics of the foot and lower leg to avoid over-pronation. This change can re-establish normal knee function. Correction of the motion in the foot and lower leg can reduce or eliminate knee pain.

Ice applications and rest are very successful when combined with orthotics. It is advisable to see a physical therapist.

over pronation reduced by orthotics, re-align tracking of knee cap

Recommended orthotics for knee pain: