Overuse injuries
Overuse of your knee joints can lead to a variety of knee conditions. These usually occur due to localised inflammation and irritation to the ligaments and tendons around the knee joint.
Modification in activity including rest combined with physiotherapy usually helps. However, if the problems persist, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Here’s a look at some of the common knee conditions.
Jumper’s Knee (Patella Tendinopathy)
When you experience pain in the front of your knee just below your kneecap or patella, it could be a sign of jumper’s knee. The pain may be severe and can be made worse by certain activities.
Early diagnosis is crucial. Specialist physiotherapy usually helps treat the condition. However, if your symptoms don’t improve then injection therapy or even surgery may be needed help you get back on track.
Patella Tendinopathy Facts
2x more common in males
Over 70% will improve with non-surgical treatment
3.2 x bodyweight = force in patella tendon when climbing stairs
Over 25% of athletes will suffer anterior knee pain
Accounts for 2.4% of all injuries in elite football
Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITB Syndrome)
This is common in runners but can be caused by cycling and other activities. It often occurs when you increase the intensity or duration of your training. Symptoms include pain around the outside of your knee either during or after your run.
The first thing I will do is fully assess your knee to confirm the diagnosis. I will ensure the pain is not caused conditions such as lateral cartilage tear or early wear and tear in your joint. This might involve assessing your knee with an MRI scan.
Usually, specialist physiotherapy will help. However, in some cases, injection therapy (e.g. Platelet Rich Plasma – PRP) might be needed.
Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITB Syndrome) Facts
One of the most common overuse injuries in runners
Iliotibial band extends from the pelvis crossing the hip and knee joint
The iliotibial band attaches onto the tibia just below the knee
Can be caused by running on a banked surface such as the side of a road or indoor track
ITB syndrome can occur in cyclists and swimmers
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Pain in the joint between your kneecap and thighbone is sometimes called patella-femoral syndrome. This is the most common cause for pain at the front of your knee. It could be caused by knee overuse.
When you are running, your knee is under a lot of stress. This may lead to your kneecap rubbing against the thighbone which in turn leads to irritation and inflammation.
The major symptom is pain around the kneecap. The pain usually comes on gradually and gets worse. It can be aggravated if you sit for a long time. You may hear grinding or clicking noise when bending or straightening the knee. Your knee may feel weak .
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) Facts
Almost anyone can get it
Also known as Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome
Most common injury suffered by runners
Also known as “cinema knee” caused by sitting for a long time
Over 40% of pro-cyclists will get anterior knee pain
Most will respond to non-surgical treatment
Gareth Stables
Cheshire Orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Gareth Stables, is a fully UK trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knee surgery. Gareth has the highest qualifications possible for an orthopaedic surgeon in the UK, FRCS (T&O), and is on the GMC specialist register for Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery.
Gareth specialises in; keyhole or knee arthroscopy surgery, ligament reconstruction surgery, knee osteotomy and knee replacement surgery. He has over 15 years of experience in the field having qualified with a commendation in 1998 from the University of Liverpool Medical School.
"My life was transformed and the pain almost negligible.... Now no painkillers or stick. I cannot thank my caring consultant enough. I will be ever grateful for his wisdom"
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