Knee Pain And Injuries
Chondromalacia Patella
Pain or inflammation of the underside of the kneecap.
Knee Operations
Post operative pain, loss of movement and strength.
I.T. Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia(fibrous tissue) attached to the side of the hip by the tensor fascia latae muscle and extending down on the outside of the knee and inserting just below the knee. The band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during running as it moves from behind the femur to the front of the femur during activity. The continual rubbing of the band over the side of the knee(lateral femoral epicondyle) combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed and painful.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments attach bone to bone at joints, thus maintaining the stability of the joint. Sometimes under strain ie. when you go over on your ankle or dislocate your shoulder, ligaments can stretch or rupture. Some ligament injuries require surgery, however other times physiotherapy along with strengthening/ proprioceptive exercises can be used to rehabilitate the joint.
Tendon Injuries
Tendons are the tough fibres that connect muscle to bone. They can become injured through overuse or as a result of major trauma to the area.
Muscle Injuries
Muscle Tears: Sometimes muscles can tear under strain. Usually a person will feel a give in the muscle coupled with a very sharp pain during exercise etc. and will have to pull up.
Muscle spasm: Muscles can spasm if overworked, are poorly hydrated or undernourished. This condition usually presents as a hardening of the muscle(spasm) and a reduction in function with mild pain and discomfort. A person can often continue activity but with some discomfort and reduced function.
Contact Injuries: Muscle contact injuries occur in situations like say during a football match where a player gets a kick into a muscle. This sometimes leads to bleeding internally within the muscle structure, often with swelling and loss of function.