How does a podiatrist treat knee pain?
Knee pain can be acute or chronic in onset. An example of a sudden or acute injury may include a torn ligament while playing sport. Knee problems can also be chronic and can develop over time, such as osteoarthritis. Podiatrists can assess and treat knee injuries and can treat both acute and chronic knee pain by performing a biomechanical assessment.
Knee conditions that are commonly seen by podiatrists may include:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – The knee cap tendon may track in the wrong direction, which can result in pain and discomfort. This pain may be felt when bending knees when walking upstairs and squatting. Contributing factors may include excessive pronation and 'knock-knees (Genu Valgum).
Iliotibial Band Syndrome – The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that lies on the outside of the thigh and inserts into the knee. Some sports such as cycling can make you more likely to experience this condition. Some contributing factors may include excessive foot pronation and internal leg rotation. Pain is often felt on the outside of the knee.
Osgood Schlatter’s Disease – Pain is felt just below the kneecap. This is a paediatric condition that commonly affects growing teenagers. It is a result of inflammation of the growth plate and often occurs during growth spurts.
Chondromalacia Patella – Wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee. This can occur as a result of abnormal tracking and alignment of the patella.
What are the common symptoms of knee pain?
Symptoms of knee pain may include dull and aching pain in the region of the patella (knee cap). Many activities may bring on this pain such as walking, running, squatting, cycling, netball, jumping, and more. It is important to discuss when your knee pain is aggravated with your podiatrist so they can determine an accurate diagnosis.
How does a podiatrist treat knee pain?
Knee pain can respond well to conservative treatment with early intervention. If the knee pain is left without treatment, the symptoms can last for months or even years and may require surgery.
Conservative treatment option includes:
Activity Modification - your podiatrist may modify the type and duration of the training and physical activity to reduce the load on the knee, but maintain physical activity.
R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation - every acute injury should be treated with R.I.C.E. It is necessary to reduce the inflammation at the joint at the early stages.
Orthotics (Orthoses) - Orthotic devices may realign foot and knee positions to reduce the load placed on the various structures in the foot and knee and surrounding structures. Orthotics may redistribute the load and pressure to reduce pain and improve function.
Exercises - strengthening and stretching exercises to promote mobility and strength in muscles around the knee may be prescribed by your podiatrist as a long-term measure to treat knee pain.
Taping and Bracing - your podiatrist may tape and brace the knee to reduce the load on the various structure in the knee.
Physical Therapy - your podiatrist may refer you to a physiotherapist for further assistance.
Footwear Assessment and Advice - suitable footwear for your sport or activity with an appropriate fit is an essential component of reducing the impact on your knees.
Where can I get my knee pain treated?
You can book an appointment online with our expert Bondi Junction podiatrist at Bondi Podiatry who has an interest in treating sport-related conditions.
We treat feet from all over Sydney, particularly the Eastern Suburbs. As podiatrists in Bondi Junction, we are happy to treat anyone that comes to our Sydney clinic. Our local area includes Bondi Junction, Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Rose Bay, Tamarama, Coogee, Randwick, Bellevue Hill, Dover Heights, Vaucluse, and Edgecliff.
