Knee pain may occur due to a variety of causes. Sporting injuries or other accidents account for the majority of acute knee pain. Serious injuries or accidents are best managed by a sports or trauma orthopaedist. Chronic, less severe, knee pain may be associated with localised arthritis or biomechanical abnormality within the lower extremity.

Our primary focus is managing knee pain that is caused or at least aggravated by some form of biomechanical abnormality. A variety of muscular and/or skeletal conditions within the lower leg, ankle or foot can lead to excessive pronation (flattening) of the foot. This, in turn, causes an abnormal amount of internal rotation of the leg that creates a torque on the knee joint. As a result, there is increased wear and tear on the cartilage behind the kneecap. This is typically assessed during the course of a complete biomechanical examination.

Knee pain induced by biomechanical abnormality is commonly increased when first getting up after a prolonged period of time sitting and/or when going up and down stairs and hills. This is because the back of the knee cap is under increased compression pressure when the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) contract and the knee undergoes alternate flexion and extension.

To learn about various treatments available for managing chronic knee pain, click here.