Knee, Ankle and Foot Pain

A Few Reasons You May Have Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint affecting people of all ages and activity levels. It can range from mild annoyance to debilitating conditions impacting daily life, work, and physical activity. At Vale Health Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, we understand how knee pain can hold you back. Whether your knee pain is due to an injury, wear and tear, or underlying health conditions, we are here to provide a diagnosis and a range of effective treatment options, including innovative guided injections.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

The knee is a complex joint with various components that work together to allow movement and stability. Because of its complexity, knee pain can have multiple causes, often involving the knee and surrounding structures like the lower back, pelvis, hips, ankles, and feet. When knee pain occurs, it’s essential to assess all these areas to identify the root cause.

Some common local causes of knee pain include:

Trauma and Overuse: Accidents, sports injuries, or repetitive strain can result in ligament injuries, meniscal tears, or even fractures.

Lower Limb Dysfunction: Issues in the feet, ankles, or hips can lead to misalignment and increased stress on the knee joint.

Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain that feels like it’s in the knee may originate from the lower back, pelvis, or hip.

Understanding the underlying cause of knee pain is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment and ensuring long-term relief.

Types of Knee Ligament Injuries

One of the most common causes of knee pain is ligament injury. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilise joints. Pain and swelling can occur when they are injured, usually due to a sudden twist, fall, or impact. Ligament injuries are classified by their severity:

1st Degree Sprain: This is a mild injury with some stretching or minor tearing of the ligament fibres. Pain is usually mild, and there may be minimal swelling, but the knee remains stable. Most 1st degree sprains can heal within a week with rest and basic care.

2nd Degree Sprain: This involves a more significant tear that causes moderate pain, swelling, and some joint instability. Recovery can take 3-6 weeks, and treatment often involves a combination of rest, targeted exercises, and manual therapy.

3rd Degree Sprain: A complete ligament tear causing severe pain, significant swelling, and instability in the knee. These injuries are serious and often require surgical intervention followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period.

Treatments for Knee Pain

Conservative treatment options are initially recommended for most knee injuries, particularly 1st and 2nd degree sprains. These may include:

Rest and Ice: To reduce swelling and give the injury time to heal.

Compression and Elevation: To limit swelling and promote blood flow.

Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue work can ease discomfort and speed up recovery.

Nutritional Support: Supplements like vitamin C and zinc may help support the healing process.

As the ligament heals, physical rehabilitation is introduced to rebuild strength, flexibility, and proprioception (the body’s ability to sense joint position). This approach can help prevent further injuries and support full recovery.

Advanced Knee Pain Management

Vale Health Clinic now offers advanced guided injections for cases where traditional methods are insufficient or if knee pain persists. These injections are minimally invasive treatments administered under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. Here’s how they can benefit different types of knee pain:

Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that provides lubrication to the joint. Injections can improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain for osteoarthritis. At Vale Health Clinic, we offer various brands of hyaluronic acid injections, including Durolane and Cingal, tailored to individual needs.

Arthrosamid Injections: This unique hydrogel injection is designed to act as a cushion within the knee joint, providing long-lasting relief for patients with osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. Arthrosamid injections can be especially beneficial for those who need an alternative to surgery or wish to delay it.

Cortisone Injections: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that provides rapid pain relief by reducing inflammation in the joint. This can be an excellent option for patients experiencing acute knee pain due to arthritis or injuries. While cortisone injections can be effective, they are typically used sparingly due to potential side effects with repeated use.

Each of these injections offers a specific benefit, allowing our clinicians to personalise treatment based on the patient’s condition, pain level, and activity goals.

Vale Health Clinic for Knee Pain Treatment

At Vale Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on a holistic approach to pain management. We know that each patient is unique, so we offer a range of treatment options to find the one that best suits you. From guided injections to manual therapy, we have the expertise to help you find relief and regain mobility. Our team of experienced practitioners in Tunbridge Wells combines clinical knowledge with the latest medical technology to provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

If knee pain affects your quality of life, it’s time to seek professional help. Persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty with daily activities are all signs that intervention may be necessary. Early treatment can prevent further deterioration and improve long-term outcomes, especially if the pain is due to an underlying issue like osteoarthritis.

Knee pain can be complex, with various causes and degrees of severity. At Vale Health Clinic, we aim to provide comprehensive, personalised care for each patient. With multiple treatment options, including innovative guided injections, we are committed to helping you manage knee pain effectively and get back to enjoying your life. If you’re struggling with knee pain, consider booking a consultation with our team in Tunbridge Wells to discuss how our treatments can benefit you.