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Nov 16, 2007 - Knee PainBack
KNEE PAIN
Definition:
The most common knee problem resulting from a biomechanical problem is patello-femoral syndrome or anterior knee pain. The cause may be intrinsic as a result of pathology within the joint or extrinsic as a result of trauma to superficial structures or a biomechanical fault. Knee pain may result from a number of causes:
• Patella-femoral syndrome
• Cartilage tear or other pathology
• Ligament strain or sprain
• ITB syndrome
• Arthritis
• Hamstring injury
• Bursitis
Cause:
Patello-femoral syndrome is when the relationship between the knee cap (patella) and the knee joint is altered. The patella, which should normally glide within a central groove at the front of the knee joint, begins to move sideways.
This happens when the knee joint is internally rotated causing a mal-tracking situation. Poor joint position and an imbalanced quadriceps contraction often lead to pain. Stress on the articular cartilage, which lines the underside of the patella, results in inflammation and discomfort.
An internally facing knee may result from over pronation. In other words, when the foot pronates the leg and thigh internally rotate leading to mal-tracking. Internally facing knees may also be a result of torsional positions of the hip and knee. A feature of this condition is that it is aggravated by activity and improved with rest.
Treatment & Prevention:
Patello-femoral syndrome can be managed in a number of ways ranging from self-care, conservative treatments to surgery. Self-are can take the form of improving the muscle balance around the knee joint. That will include following a range of knee exercises to improve the strength the VMO muscle (the small inner portion of the Quads). Ensuring strong and balanced hip muscles are equally important. Controlled activity and braces can also be beneficial.
Prescription orthoses are also an effective way of dealing with patello femoral syndrome. Once the biomechanical factors have been identified the orthoses may be designed to provide motion control and reduce pronation forces, which lead to internal rotation of the leg and thigh.
Surgery – some case may benefit from surgery, but the vast majority of people can be helped by conservative (non surgical) treatments.
Knee pain resulting from other causes such as cartilage tears, arthritis, strains and sprains will require the advise and assistance from other professionals such as medical consultants, physiotherapist or surgeons.
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