Knee pain is one of the most common issues we hear about at Rebalance Sports Medicine. Knees can be injured by trauma, repetitive strain or as a result of deficiencies in motor control and muscle balance. In any case, it is important that you have your knee pain assessed by a medical professional be it a physiotherapist, chiropractor or Sports Medicine Physician. It is important to seek treatment for your knee pain early as possible to avoid developing stubborn compensations strategies that make the rehab process longer and more challenging.
Why is the Knee Joint Unique?
The knee is constructed for a lifetime of weight bearing and weight transfer. The joints that compose the knee include:
- Tibiofemoral joint – thigh bone to shin bone
- Patellofemoral joint – knee cap to thigh bone
- Superior tibiofibular joint – on the outside of the shin just below the knee connecting the two lower shin bones to one another.
The knee joint is complex due to the meniscal (cartilage) structures that sit between the tibiofemoral joint. These two cartilaginous ring structures deepen the groove of the knee, providing joint lubrication, nutrition and also provide sensory feedback to our brains. The meniscus can be injured with a sudden movement, poor mechanics, or can get worn down with age and with repetitive poor movement strategies.
Along with the meniscus there are several ligaments, muscles, tendons and bursae that are part of the knee complex and each of these structures can also be the cause of knee pain.
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