Knee Pain

The knee is regarded as the largest and most robust joint in the human body. However, it remains vulnerable to injury, especially from overuse and conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, gout, tendinitis, joint infection, and osteoporosis.

Knee pain radiates in the middle of the shin and kneecap and can become progressively worse if left untreated. Experiencing sore knees is not uncommon, and many people, young and old, experience sore knees at some point in their lives.

Why do we have knee pain?

Knee pain can develop for many different reasons, including joint overuse, muscle strain, sports injuries, ageing, excess body weight, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Because the knee is a weight-bearing joint, it is especially vulnerable to wear and injury over time.

Knee pain is often classified based on where the pain is felt:

• Front knee pain (patellofemoral pain syndrome) – pain around or behind the kneecap, often worsened by climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting
• Inner knee pain (medial knee pain) – commonly linked to MCL injury or knee osteoarthritis, and meniscus tears
• Outer knee pain – often caused by iliotibial (IT) band syndrome or overuse injuries, and meniscus tears
• Back of knee pain – may be due to a Baker’s cyst or fluid build-up behind the joint
• Sudden sharp knee pain – often related to meniscus tears or ligament injuries

What are the common conditions that cause knee pain?

Several medical conditions can lead to ongoing or recurring knee pain:

• Tendinitis – inflammation of a tendon caused by overuse or injury, leading to pain and swelling
• Osgood-Schlatter disease – a condition in growing adolescents where the area just below the kneecap becomes painful and swollen during activity
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome – irritation of the structures around the kneecap, causing pain at the front of the knee, especially during movement or pressure
• Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage in the knee gradually wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility; most common in adults over 50

How does Dr van Niekerk check for knee pain?

Dr van Niekerk can form an accurate diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical assessment of the knee. He may suggest more detailed imaging studies based on the severity of the condition. It can be diagnosed with the following steps:

• Physical examination
• X-rays (bone and arthritis detection)
• MRI scans (ligament and cartilage injuries)
• CT scans (complex joint assessment)
• Ultrasound (soft tissue inflammation)

How do you treat knee pain?

Should knee pain fail to dissipate, Dr van Niekerk will suggest several treatments to alleviate pain. Conservative treatment measures include prescription medication such as painkillers and physiotherapy.

While most non-surgical methods are known to improve knee pain over time, a severe underlying condition such as knee osteoarthritis may require surgery. Normally, knee replacement therapy is a standard treatment for debilitating knee pain.

However, knee surgery and injections in the knee are not always necessary. Pain management therapies are entirely useful and can help you lead an active, happy and productive lifestyle without surgery. However, Dr van Niekerk will decide the most feasible option for you based on your medical history and physical exam.