Knee pain can stem from various conditions, each requiring specific attention and care. Here are the most common types:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury: A tear in the ACL. It’s often caused by sudden stops or changes in direction during activities like sports.
• Knee Fracture: A break in the bones around the knee, such as the kneecap, typically caused by falls, trauma, or accidents.
• Torn Knee Meniscus: A tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, usually caused by twisting or turning motions.
• Knee Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint, often due to repetitive pressure or overuse.
• Patellar Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, commonly seen in athletes who engage in jumping or repetitive running.
• Loose Body: A fragment of bone or cartilage that breaks off and floats within the joint space, often caused by injury or degeneration.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue running along the outer thigh, caused by repetitive activities like cycling or running.
• Dislocated Kneecap: When the kneecap shifts out of its normal position, typically due to trauma or sudden twists.
• Hip or Foot Pain: Altered walking patterns due to pain in the foot or hip can place additional stress on the knee joint.
• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint condition caused by the gradual breakdown of one’s knee.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the knee joint lining.
• Gout: A buildup of uric acid crystals in the knee joint. Symptoms of gout are often triggered by a poor diet or dehydration.
• Pseudogout: A condition that is similar to gout. Pseudogout is caused by calcium crystal deposits in the joint fluid.
• Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection in the knee joint. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Also known as Runner’s Knee, this type of knee pain is due to overuse or poor alignment of the knee.
• Sprain or Strained Ligaments: Overstretching or tearing of the ligaments surrounding the knee. Typically caused by sudden movements or trauma.
• Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled swelling at the back of the knee, often associated with underlying joint conditions.
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A condition common in growing adolescents, caused by stress on the patellar tendon at the shinbone.
• Chondromalacia: This is the softening or deterioration of the cartilage located under the kneecap.
• Plica Syndrome: Inflammation or irritation of the plica. This is a fold of synovial tissue found in the knee.

The management of knee pain involves a combination of approaches that address discomfort while supporting joint health. At the same time, preventative strategies are essential to minimise the risk of future injuries. The following can help:

• Change of Pace: Temporarily avoiding activities that worsen knee pain helps reduce strain and allows the joint to improve. Low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, are great alternatives to high-impact routines.
• Rest and Ice: Taking time to rest the knee and applying ice packs helps reduce swelling and inflammation, especially after activity or minor injuries. This approach allows the joint to improve while minimising discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory Medication: Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
• Orthotics and Braces: Custom insoles and/or knee braces offer structural support, improving alignment and reducing stress on the knee during movement and weight-bearing tasks.
• Advanced Methods: Visiting a podiatrist can provide access to non-invasive options like the Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). These options help stimulate the body’s natural restoration, helping to improve and reduce knee discomfort.

While the above approaches focus on addressing existing pain, prevention plays an equally vital role in maintaining long-term knee health. Taking proactive steps can reduce the likelihood of injuries or chronic discomfort. Key methods include:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places additional stress on the knees, accelerating wear and increasing the likelihood of strain or injury over time.
• Strengthen the Supporting Muscles: Exercises that build strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and other knee-supporting muscles improve stability and reduce injury risk.
• Warm Up and Stretch: Preparing muscles with dynamic stretches before activity enhances flexibility and reduces strain. Cooling down with static stretches after activity helps prevent tightness and injuries.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support to distribute pressure evenly and minimise knee impact. Replace worn-out shoes regularly to maintain proper shock absorption.
• Address Early Symptoms: Always listen to your body and avoid pushing through discomfort. Rest when needed and consult a healthcare professional if pain persists or worsens to prevent further issues.

Knee pain can affect anyone, but some groups are at greater risk due to specific factors. Athletes are particularly vulnerable, as high-impact activities like running or jumping place repetitive strain on the knees.

Menopausal women also face increased risk, as declining oestrogen levels can heighten joint inflammation, while hormonal changes often lead to weight gain that adds stress to the joints.

Additionally, older adults experience knee pain due to age-related joint wear, while conditions like arthritis and flat feet can increase joint inflammation or alter movement patterns, making the knees more prone to pain.

Jumping isn’t necessarily bad for knees, but repetitive high-impact jumping can strain the joints, especially if proper form is ignored or the surrounding muscles are weak. Similarly, activities like running on hard surfaces, squatting with poor posture, or overloading the knees with excess weight can increase joint stress.

Wearing unsupportive footwear or skipping warm-ups before exercise can also contribute to knee issues. Moderating these activities and adopting knee-friendly habits can help protect joint health.

NSAIDs can reduce inflammation and temporarily ease knee pain, but they are unlikely to fully resolve the problem if used alone. Knee pain often stems from issues such as joint strain, overuse, or degenerative conditions like arthritis, which NSAIDs do not address.

For longer-lasting relief, NSAIDs should be combined with rest, muscle-strengthening exercises, and/or custom orthotics/braces to improve joint support. Consulting a podiatrist is essential to identify the root cause and create a comprehensive plan to manage knee pain.