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Knee Pain

Is It Time To Finally Put An End To Knee Pain?

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What Causes Knee Pain?

Swollen knee? Pain going up and down stairs? Are you struggling to fully bend or straighten your knee? Is your knee making you limp? Are you now walking or running shorter distances due to pain? Tried injections but they haven’t worked? Have you been told nothing else can be done? If so, you have come to the right place.

When addressing knee pain, it’s crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause. When dealing with knee pain that has resulted from trauma such as a fall or direct contact, identifying the specific cause is obvious. However, most of us experiencing knee pain cannot recall a specific event or trauma that brought on the pain.

The challenge with these types of injuries lies in identifying the underlying cause. Failing to identify the root cause will often result in persistent discomfort, potential reoccurrences in the future, and limitations when increasing activity levels. Without addressing the root of the problem, individuals may find themselves stuck in a cycle of pain management rather than achieving long-term relief and mobility.

What are the most common symptoms of a knee problem?

  • Swollen knee.
  • Pain walking up and down stairs.
  • Pain when keeping your knee bent when sitting.
  • Pain at night that disturbs sleep.
  • Worsening pain with walking or exercise.
  • Knee pain that develops running after a certain time or distance.
  • A constant pain in the knee that does not go away.

More Severe Symptoms Include:

  • Locking of the knee.
  • Unable to fully bend or straighten the knee.
  • Instability & giving way.
  • Unable to weight bear due to pain
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Could your feet be giving you knee pain?

The knee has 2 angry neighbours, one is the foot and ankle and the other is the hip joint. When delving into the root cause of knee pain, it’s commonly found that the issue is originating from the foot, the hip joint or both. The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, and the lower body joints—specifically the hip, knee, and ankle are no exception.

When one joint experiences dysfunction or imbalance, it can have ripple effects on surrounding joints and structures. In the case of knee pain, the hip and the foot are two primary areas to consider. The hip joint plays a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment and function of the knee.

And dysfunctions in the hip, such as weakness and tightness can alter movement patterns and place excessive stress on the knee joint. Those with weak hip abductor muscles may experience increased hip adduction and internal rotation  leading to abnormal forces being transmitted to the knee joint.

Similarly, the foot plays a critical role in absorbing shock and providing stability during weight-bearing. Issues such as overpronation or high arches can disrupt normal foot mechanics and contribute to knee pain. When the foot pronates excessively, it can cause the lower leg to rotate inward, leading to misalignment of the knee joint and increased stress on the joint surfaces and soft tissues.

Top 10 injuries we treat:

  1. Knee Arthritis.
  2. Meniscus Tears.
  3. Full & Half Knee Replacements (Pre & Post Op).
  4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries. Full & Partial Tears.
  5. Medial & Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries.
  6. ITB Friction Syndrome.
  7. Patella Femoral Joint Syndrome.
  8. Patella Tendinitis.
  9. Osgoods Schlatters.
  10. Fat Pad Impingement

No two injuries are the same. Each and every person that comes to see us with knee pain has their own set of goals that they want to achieve from physiotherapy, so the treatment approach is adapted every time.

Hear what our patients have to say...

Sophie’s Story

“This is the best thing I have ever done. I will be brutally honest, I was hesitant because prior to this nothing was working for me. At the time, I had no idea what I had actually done but its turns out I had torn my lateral meniscus and needed surgery. My knee is now stronger than it was before”

Louise’s Story

“My knees kept coming out the joint and dislocating which was causing me lots of pain. I thought this was something I was going to have to live with before I found you. I am now dance weekly, I am upping my walking and I can squat again freely without pain. I honestly can’t thank the team enough for all their help and support”

Jamie’s Story

“I was playing football and got a challenge in from behind. As soon as I stood up I knew I had done something to my knee. It didn’t feel stable and it turned out I had a medial collateral ligament injury. I decided to come to Sharp Physiotherapy and it was the best decision I made. The treatment I received was second to none”

Why We Are Different

We do not just hand out exercise sheets.

Many peoples perception of physiotherapy in the UK is that you get given an exercise sheet to do at home and nothing more. We diverge from this, and take a distinct approach to physiotherapy that offers a hands on and more personal approach.

Unlike many physiotherapy providers that merely hand out exercise sheets, we prioritise manual therapy techniques within the session to ensure not just quick, but often instant results for our patients. While our clinic places a strong emphasis on manual therapy for immediate pain relief, we do recognise the important of rehab exercises for long term health and injury prevention.

01

We get to the very root of your problem.

We stand out by specialising in identifying the root cause of our patients’ issues rather than solely treating the symptoms. This approach allows us to provide personalised care that ensures long lasting results.

02

We do not try to sell you more appointments than you need.

We take pride in our approach because we don’t believe in recommending more sessions than you need. Unlike some practices, we don’t advocate for more sessions than necessary and our focus is on providing precisely the care you need to achieve the outcome you want, ensuring a cost-effective path to your recovery.

03

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you treat knee arthritis?

Physiotherapy is indeed a valuable option for managing knee arthritis. While it cannot reverse the arthritic changes in the knee joint, it can significantly improve symptoms and enhance your quality of life in several ways:

  1. Pain Reduction: Physiotherapy interventions, such as manual therapy, specific rehab exercises, exercise modification, and NMES can help alleviate pain associated with knee arthritis. By addressing muscle weakness, stiffness, biomechanics and imbalances, physiotherapy can help you reduce knee pain and increase your activity levels.
  2. Medication Management: Physiotherapy can assist individuals in reducing their reliance on painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. Through targeted exercises, joint mobilisations, and lifestyle modifications, individuals may experience decreased pain levels and improved functional ability without the need for medication.
  3. Increased Activity Levels: Knee arthritis often leads to decreased physical activity due to pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy aims to improve joint flexibility, muscle strength, and pain levels, allowing you to engage in activities you enjoy with greater ease and confidence. By gradually increasing activity levels under the guidance of a physiotherapist, individuals can maintain or improve their overall fitness and functional capacity with out agonising knee pain.
  4. Delay or Avoidance of Surgery: For some people with knee arthritis, physiotherapy may help delay or even avoid the need for surgical intervention. We currently look after lots of patients who have postponed knee surgery for years whilst still remaining active.

What causes knee swelling?

Knee swelling, also known as a knee effusion can be a symptom of various underlying conditions.

the location and nature of swelling in the knee can often provide valuable clues about the underlying cause of the issue. For instance:

  1. Localized Swelling: Swelling that is concentrated in a specific area of the knee, such as around the kneecap, side of the knee or in the front of the knee, may suggest conditions like bursitis, patellar tendonitis, fat pad impingement or ITB friction syndrome.
  2. Generalised Swelling: Swelling that affects the entire knee joint, including the front, sides, and back, can be indicative of more widespread issues such as arthritis, meniscal tears, or severe ligament injuries.
  3. Acute Swelling: Swelling that occurs suddenly following a traumatic injury, such as a fall or a sports-related incident, may signal ligament tears, meniscal tears, or fractures.
  4. Chronic Swelling: Persistent or recurring swelling that develops gradually over time may be associated with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic tendinopathy.

Why does my knee feel unstable?

The feeling of knee instability can stem from various causes and should not be ignored.

  1. Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the ligaments that stabilise the knee, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or lateral collateral ligament (LCL), can lead to a sensation of instability. Ligament tears or sprains commonly occur due to sports injuries, sudden twists, or trauma.
  2. Meniscal Tears: The meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee joint, can tear due to sudden twisting movements or degenerative changes. Meniscal tears can cause a feeling of instability.
  3. Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, can compromise the stability of the knee joint. Inadequate muscle support may result from disuse or injury.
  4. Joint Instability: Chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ligament laxity can contribute to joint instability.
  5. Patellar Instability: Instability of the patella (kneecap), such as patellar Alta, can cause the knee to feel unstable, particularly during activities that involve bending or straightening the knee.

Do I need an MRI Scan?

While MRI scans can be valuable diagnostic tools for assessing knee pain, their necessity depends on the results of a thorough clinical assessment. In many cases, knee pain can be effectively assessed and treated through a comprehensive assessment before resorting to imaging studies.

It’s important to recognise that MRI scans alone may not always provide a complete picture of the underlying cause of knee pain. Clinical assessment involves a detailed history-taking, physical examination, and functional assessment to identify contributing factors such as muscle weakness, joint instability, biomechanical abnormalities, and movement dysfunction.

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And discover how we can help you get rid of knee pain.

Excellent
Based on 255 reviews
Emma
Emma
Am 47 years old and had a car accident 13 years ago leaving me with a plate in my wrist , nerve damage and Thoracic outlet syndrome. I had spent thousands on physio with little to no joy of managing my pain and discomfort. I could not sleep through the night , I would grind my teeth, I couldn’t get back in to a pool to swim , no one was able to touch my wrist. I didn’t let people close because I did not want people to know how much I struggled. I just couldn’t imagine growing older and coping with it all. Lucy has changed all this , she is amazing , I went swimming in the sea within 3 months of seeing her . I can let someone hold my hand , I sleep, never felt poorly after my appointments. Lucy as gave me my life back , hope , took away fear and anxiety and that ground hog day feeling. Listen to Lucy and you should go Far. Great team , great company have a lot to offer.
Emily Flemming
Emily Flemming
After several knee dislocations, I was considering surgery on my knee. However after a block of sessions with Joe, I am now the strongest I have been and no longer need surgery. I started only being able to walk for 15 mins pain free and now can run and walk pain free. The whole team are lovely and welcoming and it’s been a fantastic experience - would hugely recommend!
Tom Stretton
Tom Stretton
Could not speak highly enough of the team for how much they helped me. I reached out to them around a month post elbow surgery with very limited movement capability in my elbow. My injury was given a full review, after which the team put together a full exercise program for me to follow which allowed me to continue to make progress in between appointments. Even the specialist surgeons at the hospital commented on how quickly I was progressing in terms of regaining movement, all thanks to the team at Sharp. I even received scar tissue treatment as part of the sessions to help reduce sensitivity, which was above and beyond what other physio’s would generally do. Would definitely recommend!
Beth Garlick
Beth Garlick
Can't recommend Sharp Physiotherapy enough. After seeing Sam for a few sessions for a problem with my knee I was still able to do the half-marathon I had planned, and learnt so much about the issues I was having and how to prevent them going forward. They really listen to you and make it a comfortable experience.
Katy Moss
Katy Moss
Have had a great experienec with both Joe and Matthew, they both helped me massively with my back pain where with the odd bit of maintenance I am pain free. Thanks guys!
Sam Kent
Sam Kent
Joe and lucy at sharps physio and all the team Know there jobs inside out and not just the best physio about there Genuine lovely people couldn’t recommend enough
Emily Cahill
Emily Cahill
I highly recommend the team at Sharp Physiotherapy! Matt at Bawtry was excellent in all aspects of treatment, and is a great person. Thank you again!
Ella Walker
Ella Walker
Could not recommend Sharp Physiotherapy enough! After my hip arthroscopy my hip didn’t feel right and Joe and Lucy agreed. The team helped me find another surgeon for a second opinion and the surgeon agreed my hip was not right. I underwent another arthroscopy to sort out the issues from the first surgery and Lucy worked alongside the surgeon and treated me weekly to help with my hip. I then underwent a major hip surgery and then got an infection and Lucy was there to help with my rehab and treatment. I could not recommend Lucy enough she has helped me through so much, treating me, being extremely patient, understanding but also very knowledgeable. Lucy has been there for me and my family every step of the way! Lucy has worked alongside my surgeon to create a successful rehab plan. The team have managed to fit me in for appointments when I’ve been struggling with pain. I would not go anywhere else for Physiotherapy and can not recommend Lucy and Sharp physio enough!
Jayne Beilby
Jayne Beilby
Sharp Physio are the absolute best! I've tried several before but never stuck with it as they never solved the problem. Lucy, Joe and the whole team want to get to the root of the problem, sort that out, then work on building you up from there. I've referred several people now and they have all had great experiences for different ailments/injuries. I honestly wouldn't look anywhere else! Your'e getting local physio's who have worked at Olympic & pro sport levels. The premises are lovely too so you feel welcome and looked after but not in a hospital type environment.😊
Sarah Timmins
Sarah Timmins
I had tried many different practitioners over the years to help treat my headaches and neck pain with no one seeming able to help. Having seen a physiotherapist for 6 months with no results and then finally going to my gp who seemed clueless, I decided to give Sharp Physiotherapy a go. I was skeptical and unsure that they could help after many years of unsuccessful treatments. I had a telephone consultation and session with Sam T who put me at ease telling me that he was confident he could help. After my first session my headaches were instantly better, I was not expecting that at all. For years I have been in pain which has taken over my life and now I feel like my old self again and more importantly pain free! Sam seems to know where to target the pain and release the tension in my head and neck. I would not hesitate to recommend Sharp Physiotherapy to anyone, they are a fab team and very helpful.

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