Condition
Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in clinical practice, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. It can present as a sharp pain during movement, a persistent ache after periods of activity, stiffness first thing in the morning, or swelling that develops following injury or overuse. For many people it becomes a limiting factor in exercise, work, and everyday life.
The knee is a complex joint, relying heavily on the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability. It also functions as part of a chain that includes the foot, ankle, hip, and lower back, meaning that problems elsewhere in that chain frequently contribute to knee symptoms. A complaint that appears straightforward at the knee may have its origins further up or down the body.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome — pain around or behind the kneecap, often aggravated by stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting
- Iliotibial band syndrome — lateral knee pain commonly associated with running or cycling
- Meniscal irritation or injury
- Ligament sprains, including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments
- Tendinopathy of the patellar or quadriceps tendons
- Osteoarthritis, particularly in older adults
- Referred pain from the hip or lumbar spine
- Biomechanical factors such as foot pronation, hip weakness, or altered gait patterns
It is increasingly recognised that knee pain, particularly in younger and active populations, is often a load management issue rather than a structural one. Understanding how the knee is being used and what demands are being placed on it is central to effective management.
Condition
How We Can Help
At Angel Spine Clinic, knee pain is assessed, with a focus on the knee itself as well as the wider lower limb and spinal mechanics that influence it. Our practitioners are well placed to identify and address the contributing factors that keep knee pain going beyond the initial complaint.
Treatment may include:
- Mobilisation of the knee joint and surrounding structures to restore range of motion
- Soft tissue techniques to address tension in the quadriceps, hamstrings, iliotibial band, and calf musculature
- Assessment and treatment of the hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine where biomechanical contributions are identified
- Muscle energy techniques to correct imbalances in the lower limb
- Gait and movement assessment to identify patterns placing excessive load on the knee
- Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the hip, quadriceps, and surrounding stabilisers
- Advice on load management, training modification, and self-care strategies
Research consistently highlights the importance of exercise-based rehabilitation for knee pain, particularly for patellofemoral pain and knee osteoarthritis. Manual therapy used alongside exercise has been shown to improve outcomes in both pain and function.
Your Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor or osteopath help with knee osteoarthritis?
Yes. While osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that cannot be reversed, its symptoms can be managed effectively. Manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and load management strategies can meaningfully reduce pain and improve function. It is also worth noting that the degree of degeneration seen on imaging does not always correlate with the level of pain experienced, and many people with significant findings on scan respond very well to conservative care.
My knee pain started after I increased my running. Is that significant?
Very likely. A sudden increase in training load is one of the most common triggers for knee pain in active individuals. This does not mean you need to stop running entirely, but it does suggest that load management and a structured return to activity will be important parts of your recovery.
Could my knee pain be coming from my hip or lower back?
Yes, this is more common than many people realise. The hip and lumbar spine significantly influence how load is distributed through the knee. Weakness or dysfunction at the hip in particular is frequently implicated in knee complaints, and addressing it is often a key part of effective treatment.
Do I need a scan before being seen?
In most cases, no. A thorough clinical assessment is usually sufficient to understand what is going on and guide treatment. If imaging is considered necessary, your practitioner will advise you and can refer where appropriate.
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What We Treat
Common Conditions
We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions — from everyday discomfort to complex, long-standing pain.
