Knee Problems

This refers to an irritation and ultimate damage behind the knee cap (patella).  This is a common cause of knee cap pain and is often called “runner’s knee”.  Normally the knee cap glides smoothly on the knee joint when the knee is bended.  However in some individuals, the knee cap can rub on one side of the joint and the smooth cartilage surface on the back of the bone becomes irritated.  This misalignment or abnormal tracking of the knee cap may be caused by a muscular imbalance involving the muscles around the knee and/or due to alignment issues of the foot.  Women tend to be more often affected than men possibly due to anatomical differences between the two sexes.

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The syndrome refers to pain around and behind the knee cap.  It is linked to, but differs from Chrondromalacia Patella in that the latter refers to actual fraying and damage to the underlying patellar cartilage.  Patello-femoral syndrome typically occurs with activity and often worsens when going down stairs, step or hills.  It can also occur when sitting for a long period of time.

Like Chondromalacia Patella, repetitive contact of the back of the knee cap with the upper leg bone (femur) and/or maltracking of the patella is the likely cause.  There are a number of potential factors involved in this condition.  These include: “flat feet”/overpronation, “high arched feet”/oversupination, and muscular causes.

Often exercises and physical therapy is prescribed and footwear and orthotics are closely analyzed to ensure proper foot/leg alignment.

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This is one of the leading causes of knee pain on the outside of the knee in runners.  The ITB is a band of tissue that runs from the pelvis to below the knee along the outside of the thigh.  It may initially feel like a mild “stinging” sensation just about the knee joint, but can become very painful with swelling or thickening of the band as it rubs over the outside of the knee joint.  It often affects athletes, but it also commonly occurs during pregnancy and often affects the elderly.

The common causes of this condition include:  high or low arches, supination (outwards rolling of the foot and ankle), uneven leg length, bowed legs and weak musculature.

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This is probably the most frequent cause of knee pain in children.  It occurs most commonly in active children between the ages of 9 and 16 years, and often during a “growth spurt”.  Both boys and girls are equally affected.  It is often found to be activity related pain found a few inches below the knee cap.  It causes swelling in the area and tenderness to the touch.  Sports requiring a lot of running, jumping, squatting or kneeling are often associated with this condition.

To make an appointment with one of our professionals, kindly request a referral from your family physician by printing this  Referral Form  in printable pdf format.