Knee pain is a common concern across all age groups – from athletes recovering from sports injuries to older adults managing joint changes over time. While knee discomfort can be worrying, many causes are not as severe as people initially fear. With a thorough assessment, it’s often possible to identify contributing factors and develop a management plan to support your mobility and function.
At ONE HEALTH, our team of Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, and Remedial Massage Therapists work to understand the source of your pain and address the factors that may be contributing to it.
Common causes of knee pain
Knee pain can be the result of trauma, repetitive strain, or gradual changes in joint mechanics. Some causes we see in clinic include:
- Altered movement of the kneecap (patella) within its groove
- Imbalances in thigh muscle flexibility and strength
- Patellar tendon irritation or bursitis
- Meniscus or ligament injuries
- Foot posture issues such as rolling inwards (pronation)
- Knock knees (valgus alignment)
- Previous injury leading to muscle weakness or altered gait
- Osteoarthritis or other joint changes
The role of the patellofemoral joint
The patella sits within the tendon of the quadriceps muscles and glides over the thigh bone (femur) to help increase the power and range of knee extension.
If the kneecap does not track evenly, activities like squatting, climbing stairs, or running may cause pain or swelling. Muscle tightness or weakness, postural changes, and previous injuries can all affect this tracking, leading to discomfort and reduced movement over time.
How we assess and manage knee pain
Your practitioner will carry out a detailed assessment, which may include examining:
- Knee joint mobility
- Muscle strength and flexibility in the thighs, hips, and calves
- Foot and ankle posture
- Overall movement patterns and gait
Where appropriate, we may refer you for further medical investigation (e.g. X-rays, MRI, or specialist review) to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
How we may be able to help
Your management plan will be tailored to your needs and may include:
- Gentle manual techniques to support joint mobility
- Exercises to strengthen and balance the muscles around the knee and hips
- Stretching programs to address muscle tightness
- Advice on footwear or orthotics for foot and ankle support
- Activity modifications to reduce strain during recovery
- Education on posture and movement strategies to support long-term knee health
If knee pain is limiting your activity or affecting your confidence to move, book an appointment at ONE HEALTH today for a professional assessment and a personalised management plan.