Well, we made it to France!
After last week’s passport drama, we somehow managed to get Florie’s new passport sorted at the last minute. We did miss the first few days of the holiday, but we can’t really blame anyone other than ourselves for not checking it earlier! Lesson definitely learned for next time. We eventually got on the road and made the long drive down to Bordeaux. Since then, it’s been exactly what we needed, lots of pool time with the kids, relaxing, enjoying the sunshine. We’re heading over to Carcassonne on Saturday to catch up with some old university friends, which should be great.
Back in the clinic, everything is going really well. We’re continuing to work with more clients using StimPod, particularly those struggling with neuropathic pain, neuropathy, knee pain and stubborn chronic nerve related problems. If that sounds like you or someone you know and you’d like to understand a little more about what we’re doing, please let us know. We can arrange a taster session and see whether it could be suitable for you.
We’re also really pleased to welcome Hannah to the team, who’ll be based at our Marlow clinic. It’s great to see the team continuing to grow and we’re looking forward to introducing her properly over the next few weeks.
So, all good from us. We’re going to enjoy a bit more French sunshine and pool time before getting back to reality.
Have you ever stood up after sitting for a while and thought, “Where did that knee pain come from?” Or maybe your knees complain every time you climb the stairs, go for a run or attempt to keep up with the kids.
If that sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints we see in the clinic. The good news? Most knee pain isn’t something you simply have to “live with.”
Understanding why your knee hurts is the first step towards finding the right solution.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is discomfort that occurs in or around the knee joint. It can come on suddenly after an injury or develop gradually over time. The pain may be dull and achy, sharp and stabbing or simply feel like stiffness that refuses to go away.
Because the knee is one of the busiest joints in your body, it experiences thousands of loading cycles every day. Walking, climbing stairs, squatting, running and even getting out of a chair all rely on healthy knee function.
When one part of the system isn’t working properly, your knee is often the first place to let you know.
Why Does Knee Pain Happen?
Think of your knee like the suspension on your car. If one component wears out or becomes misaligned, the whole system starts working harder.
Common causes of knee pain include:
- Overuse from running, walking or sport
- Ligament sprains (such as an ACL injury)
- Meniscus cartilage injuries
- Tendon irritation (patellar tendonitis)
- Muscle weakness around the hips or thighs
- Arthritis
- Poor movement mechanics
- Previous injuries that never fully recovered
Sometimes the problem isn’t actually the knee itself. Poor movement at the hips, ankles or even the lower back can increase stress on the knee joint over time.
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain
Everyone experiences knee pain differently but common symptoms include:
- Pain when walking or climbing stairs
- Swelling around the joint
- Stiffness after sitting
- Clicking or popping
- A feeling that the knee may “give way”
- Difficulty squatting
- Pain after exercise
- Reduced range of motion
The location of the pain can also provide clues. Pain at the front of the knee often differs from pain on the inside, outside or back of the joint.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most cases of knee pain improve with the right management, but some symptoms need prompt medical assessment.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- A major twisting injury
- Inability to bear weight
- Significant swelling immediately after injury
- A visibly deformed knee
- Fever alongside a swollen joint
- Persistent locking of the knee
If your pain has been lingering for several weeks despite rest, it’s worth having it professionally assessed.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Knee Pain?
Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractic care isn’t just about the spine.
In our clinic, we look at how your entire body moves together. Your knee doesn’t work in isolation, it depends on healthy movement from your hips, ankles, pelvis and lower back.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your treatment plan may include:
- Joint mobilisation or spinal adjustments where appropriate
- Sports rehabilitation exercises
- Movement retraining
- Strengthening programmes
- Soft tissue therapy
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn tendon conditions
- Advice on activity modification
Rather than simply chasing symptoms, we aim to identify why the knee has become overloaded in the first place.
Simple Ways to Support Your Knees at Home
While every case is different, these habits often help reduce unnecessary stress on the knees:
Keep Moving
Complete rest is rarely the answer. Gentle movement helps maintain joint nutrition and prevents stiffness.
Strengthen Your Legs
Strong quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings help absorb forces that would otherwise travel through the knee.
Wear Supportive Footwear
Old or unsupportive shoes can alter how forces travel through your legs.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Even small reductions in body weight can significantly reduce the load placed on the knees during everyday activities.
Don’t Ignore Small Niggles
Many significant injuries begin as minor aches that people hope will simply disappear.
Can Exercise Make Knee Pain Worse?
Not necessarily. The right exercise is often one of the best treatments for knee pain. The key is choosing exercises that match your current stage of recovery.
Good examples often include:
- Straight leg raises
- Mini squats
- Step ups
- Glute bridges
- Cycling
- Swimming
Exercises should challenge the knee without causing a significant increase in pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my knee hurt when I walk?
Walking pain may result from arthritis, tendon irritation, cartilage problems, muscle weakness or altered movement patterns. A proper assessment helps identify the underlying cause.
Why does my knee click?
Clicking without pain is usually harmless. However, clicking accompanied by pain, swelling or locking should be assessed.
Is knee pain a normal part of ageing?
No. While joints naturally change with age, persistent pain isn’t something you should simply accept. Many people improve significantly with appropriate treatment and exercise.
Should I use ice or heat?
Ice may help following a recent injury with swelling, while heat often feels more comfortable for ongoing muscle tightness and stiffness. The best option depends on the cause of your pain.
When should I see a healthcare professional?
If your knee pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, limits your daily activities, keeps returning, or follows an injury, it’s sensible to arrange an assessment.
The Bottom Line
Your knees do an incredible amount of work every single day. They carry you through work, family life, exercise, holidays and everything in between.
Pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t working as well as it could. The earlier you understand what’s causing the problem, the easier it often is to prevent it becoming a long term issue.
If you’ve been struggling with knee pain that’s stopping you from enjoying life, we’d love to help you understand what’s going on. A discovery visit allows us to assess how your whole body is moving, explain what may be contributing to your symptoms and discuss the treatment options that are most appropriate for you. Book here: https://westchiropractic.neptune.practicehub.io/p/book-online.
Remember, this article is for educational purposes and shouldn’t replace an individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2024). Knee pain and problems.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: Diagnosis and management (NG226).
- National Health Service. (2024). Knee pain.
- Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Managing knee injuries and rehabilitation.
- Mount Sinai Health System. (n.d.). Joint pain information.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Physical activity and arthritis.
