Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints in men and women of all ages and can be very debilitating. The knee joint is a hinged joint and it plays a vital role in bearing body weight in normal mobilisation. Knee pain can have a sudden, unexpected onset from an injury or it can develop over time as a result of an onset of a condition.

What are the most common conditions related to knee pain?

There are many conditions that can be associated with knee pain, the most common are;

What are the risk factors for Knee pain?

Previous injury - Any historical injury to the knee can significantly increase the chances of getting some form of knee pain or instability.

Age - As the body ages, knee cartilage becomes worn plus mobility generally reduces so the muscles and ligaments around the knees become weaker.

Body Weight - Maintaining a healthy body weight can be crucial in reducing stress and load transmitted through the knee joint.

Sports - High impact sports can increase stress placed through the knee joint so conbituating to wear and tear over time.

Occupation - Jobs which increase knee joint loading through standing for long periods or kneeling, can be a risk factor in developing knee pains.

What are the treatment options for Knee pain?

Knee bracing - Knee bracing can provide stability and support to the knee joint. Knee bracing can also be designed to offload certain areas of the damaged cartilage. Knee bracing can be an effective treatment option for any symptom of knee pain (see below).

Surgery - There are many surgical procedures that can help maintain a healthy knee joint such as ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL and cartilage repairs. If knee pain symptoms become severely debilitating, then a partial or full knee replacement could be considered. Surgery should be considered as a last resort after all other non invasive forms of treatment have been exhausted.

Steroid Injections - A steroid injection into the knee joint can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Physiotherapy - Specific exercises can help target weaker muscles that may be putting additional stress on the knee joint.

Medication - painkillers and anti-inflammatories can reduce pain to help an individual maintain active, with a good quality of life.

Insoles - Poor foot posture can cause knee pains. Specifically designed insoles can correct poor foot posture which can, in turn, reduce any undue stress in the knee joint as a result. There is also evidence to say that specific wedging under the heel can help reduce unilateral Osteoarthritis knee pain.

How can Liverpool Orthotics help in the treatment of Knee pain?

There are many different knee braces on the market. Each brace has specific design features that help with certain knee conditions or injuries. Liverpool orthotics provide a comprehensive assessment to determine which knee brace option is the most suitable for any condition.

Osteoarthritis Unloader braces - it is common, particularly in men over 40, to develop osteoarthritis of the medial (inside) portion of the knee cartilage. In these cases specific knee braces are available to help shift weight onto the less worn cartilage on the lateral (outside) of the knee. Liverpool Orthotics can consider every brace available on the market to ensure the most effective bracing solution for each individual.

ACL bracing - often an ACL brace is worn after a rupture or surgical repair. ACL braces are made from a carbon fibre frame with a series of five supportive straps.

PCL bracing - often an PCL brace is worn after a rupture or surgical repair. PCL braces are made from a carbon fibre frame with a series of six supportive straps. Some PCL braces have a spring loaded mechanism that helps ligament recovery after surgical correction.

Patella stabilising brace - Patella knee braces help stabilise the patella (knee cap) to prevent dislocations or to promote healing post patella surgery.

Sports bracing - Sports bracing can be used to prevent injury or help individuals return to sport after an injury. There is a wide range of sports bracing available on the market but selecting the correct support can be critical to achieving the desired outcome. Some sport braces are waterproof for outdoor sports such as wakeboarding or skiing.

Combined stability knee bracing - there are occasions where there are one or more conditions affecting the knee. Combined stability braces can provide general stability and support to help with a number of knee conditions.

Insoles - Liverpool Orthotics provide a range of custom made and ‘off the shelf’ insoles that can help reduce knee pain by providing foot support and stability. The foot can be considered as the foundations of the leg and if the foot is not supported correctly, this can have a chain reaction up to the knee.

What does an assessment for Knee pain involve?

The first step is to book an initial consultation with one of our HCPC and BAPO registered orthotists. The assessment can take place at home, work or one of our clinics.

An assessment with Liverpool Orthotics would involve taking a full medical history and establishing your goals of treatment. The orthotist will then carry out a holistic physical examination including joint range of movement tests, muscle power tests and observe the walking pattern.

If a knee brace is required the orthotist will then be able to select the most effective brace and take scans and measures of the leg to order the correct size. If insoles are an effective treatment option then the orthotist will take scan or foam impressions of the feet to have insoles made. A suitable fitting appointment can be made where the orthotist will show how to fit the orthotic device and advise on how to care for it.

To arrange an appointment call Liverpool Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk