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Are your feet and hips the root cause of your knee pain?

Apr 25, 2023

Knee pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Recent studies, such as the study conducted by McPoil et al. (2009), have shown that knee pain is often a symptom of feet or hips that are not working properly, are stiff, or lack stability and control. This is because the feet and hips are directly connected to the knee joint, and any issues in these areas can cause stress and strain on the knee. 

Common symptoms of knee pain include swelling, stiffness, and aching pain. In a case-control and reliability study, Barton et al. (2010) found that foot and ankle characteristics were associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Some of the most commonly seen knee conditions in our clinic are:

  1. Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to break down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
  2. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning between the bones and tendons in the knee joint. Bursitis can cause pain and swelling in the knee.
  3. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach to the knee joint, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements.
  4. Meniscus tear: A tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  5. Patellofemoral pain syndrome: A condition that causes pain in the front of the knee, often due to overuse or misalignment of the kneecap.

Physiotherapy and osteopathy are two effective treatment options for knee pain caused by issues in the feet or hips. According to Chen et al. (2020), hip muscle strength is associated with knee pain, stiffness, and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected area, while osteopathy uses manual techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

If you are experiencing knee pain, it is important to seek professional help. Contact CBR Clinics in London Waterloo and Canary Wharf on 0330 299 3020 or click HERE to book online to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists or osteopaths who can help people with knee pain.

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