Knee Pain
There are several issues that may cause knee pain. Below are some common conditions we see, their causes, and how we treat them at the clinic. Just click on the condition you think you may have for more information.
Patella Tendinopathy (Jumpers Knee)
What is Patella Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy, also referred to as Jumper’s knee or Patellar Tendinitis, is a condition that arises following increased loading of the patellar tendon at the front of the knee. The patellar tendon joins the large quadriceps muscle group to the tibia, just below the kneecap.
Tendinopathy, a term describing tendon overload, causes cellular changes within the tendon that ultimately results in tendon pain and dysfunction.
What are the symptoms of Patella Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy is characterised by pain at the front of the knee felt either at the lower border of the kneecap or within the tendon itself. The pain is usually present during activities that cause increased loading through the patellar tendon, such as jumping and squatting.
Characteristic signs and symptoms may include:
- Anterior knee pain over the patella tendon
- The pain made worse with jumping, landing or running activity and sometimes with prolonged sitting.
- The onset of pain is usually gradual and commonly related to an increase in a sports activity.
- Localised tenderness over the patella tendon
- Often the tendon feels very stiff first thing in the morning.
- The affected tendon may appear thickened in comparison to the unaffected side
What are the causes of Patella Tendinopathy?
As mentioned, patella tendinopathy will most likely occur during activities which place a significant load through the patella tendon. For this reason, patellar tendinopathy is common in volleyballers and basketballers, with up to 45% of athletes in these sports being affected. Males are up to four times more likely to develop patellar tendinopathy compared to females.
Lower limb biomechanics can play a further role in aggravation, with foot posture playing a large role in shock absorption during landing, and as a result increasing the load on the tendon.
How does Elite Foot Care Treat Patella Tendinopathy?
At Elite Foot Care we pride ourselves in ensuring you’re back on your feet, feeling fit and healthy, as soon as possible.
As patellar tendinopathy is caused by an overloading of the tendon, management involves reducing tendon loading during provocative activities. Tendon injuries, however, do not respond well to resting and hence simply doing nothing will not resolve the condition either.
Instead, a very specific exercise program should be prescribed to maintain appropriate load through the tendon and to elicit a pain-relieving response within the central nervous system. Exercises involve both isometric (sustained holds) and isotonic (slow, heavy, through range) contractions.
Further assessment of your running or jumping biomechanics will allow our podiatrists to determine whether further interventions are indicated in preventing further aggravation of the tendon.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a condition that arises following irritation of the soft tissue or bone underneath the kneecap at the front of the knee. The patellofemoral joint is what forms your knee joint with the femur (thigh bone) and patella (kneecap).
What are the symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
PFPS is characterised by pain at the front of the knee felt underneath the patella. The pain is usually present during activities including squatting, sitting, climbing stairs, and running.
Characteristic signs and symptoms may include:
- Anterior knee pain underneath the patella
- The pain made worse with activities that involve bending the knee
- The onset of pain is usually gradual and commonly related to an increase in a sports activity.
- Pain with movement of the kneecap
What are the causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain is known to affect 25% of the population at some point in their life, with athletes or particular medical conditions (hypermobility) having a greater likelihood.
PFPS can be caused by three different factors within the body:
- Muscle weakness or tightness
- Weakness of the quadricep or gluteal muscles
- Tight hamstring muscles or Iliotibial band
- Tight calf muscles
- Alignment of the patella (kneecap)
- In certain people the patella can be maligned or does not sit in the groove ideally. This can create a greater likelihood for irritation.
- Poor lower limb biomechanics
- Greater foot pronation or genu valgum (knock knees) can create greater patella movement and likelihood for irritation.
- Most of these biomechanical features are influenced by bony alignment and muscle weakness / tightness.
How does Elite Foot Care treat Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
At Elite Foot Care we pride ourselves in ensuring you’re back on your feet, feeling fit and healthy, as soon as possible.
As PFPS is caused by irritation of the anterior knee joint, management involves increasing the stability and control around the knee joint.
A very specific exercise program should be prescribed to improve muscle strength and reduce muscle tightness. Further assessment of your running or jumping biomechanics will allow our podiatrists to determine whether further interventions are indicated in preventing further aggravation of the tendon.
Senior Podiatrist Jarrod McGuinness Discusses
Our Therapists
Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Benefits of a personalised treatment plan
Reduced Pain
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
Increased Strength
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Become More Active
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
How it works
1. Schedule an Appointment
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
2. We Handle the Details
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
3. Be More Active With Less Pain
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
What you'll get...
Experienced Podiatrists
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Comprehensive Consultations
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Communication
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
Best Treatment Technology
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
On-site Manufacturing
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.