Understanding Knee Pain: Common Causes, What It Means, and How Osteopathic Treatment Can Help
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an osteopath. Whether you feel a dull ache after walking, sharp pain when kneeling, or stiffness in the morning, knee pain can restrict your movement and impact daily life.
Because the knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, different types of knee pain can come from different structures. Understanding the cause — and getting a professional knee pain assessment — is the first step to effective treatment and recovery.
Common Types of Knee Pain and Their Causes
- Pain at the Front of the Knee (Anterior Knee Pain)
Pain around or behind the kneecap is often caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) or patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee).
Causes:
- Overuse from running, jumping, or squatting
- Muscle imbalance or weakness (especially in the thighs and glutes)
- Misalignment of the kneecap during movement
You may notice: Pain when climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, or kneeling.
💡 Osteopathic treatment can improve muscle balance, joint alignment, and movement patterns to reduce pressure on the kneecap.
- Pain on the Inner Side of the Knee (Medial Knee Pain)
Inner knee pain often results from a medial meniscus tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain, or early arthritis.
Causes:
- Twisting or awkward movements
- Repetitive strain
- Age-related joint wear
You may notice: Swelling, stiffness, or pain when bending or twisting.
💡 An osteopath can identify which tissues are involved and restore healthy movement through gentle manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
- Pain on the Outer Side of the Knee (Lateral Knee Pain)
Outer knee pain commonly affects runners and cyclists and may be due to iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, lateral meniscus tear, or ligament strain.
Causes:
- Overuse and poor biomechanics
- Tightness in the IT band or hip muscles
- Rapid increases in training intensity
You may notice: Pain that worsens with repetitive movements or running downhill.
💡 Osteopathic treatment focuses on reducing tension, improving joint alignment, and correcting movement to prevent recurrence.
- Pain Behind the Knee (Posterior Knee Pain)
Pain at the back of the knee can be caused by a Baker’s cyst, hamstring strain, or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury.
Causes:
- Repetitive hamstring use
- Swelling from arthritis
- Falls or sports injuries
You may notice: Tightness, swelling, or pain when straightening the leg.
💡 Osteopathic care can reduce pressure behind the knee and address the muscular or joint imbalances that contribute to the problem.
- General or Widespread Knee Pain
If both knees ache or the pain feels more general, possible causes include osteoarthritis, bursitis, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Common symptoms:
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling and tenderness
- Pain after activity or at rest
💡 Osteopathy can help manage stiffness and improve mobility by working with surrounding muscles and joints to ease strain.
Why a Professional Knee Assessment Is Essential
With so many potential causes, a professional knee pain assessment is vital to identify the true source of discomfort. During your consultation, your osteopath will:
- Take a detailed medical history
- Examine your posture, gait, and joint mobility
- Perform gentle tests to locate the cause of pain
- Recommend further imaging (like X-ray or MRI) if needed
Getting the right diagnosis ensures you receive targeted treatment — not just symptom relief — to help you recover faster and avoid long-term problems.
How Osteopathic Treatment Helps Knee Pain
Osteopathy focuses on restoring balance, movement, and natural healing in the body. Depending on your individual needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension and improve joint alignment
- Exercise and rehabilitation guidance to strengthen key muscles
- Advice on posture, footwear, and daily activities
- Supportive techniques to improve circulation and reduce inflammation
Many patients find osteopathic treatment helps them move more freely, reduce pain, and prevent future knee problems.
When to Seek Help for Knee Pain
You should seek osteopathic assessment or medical advice if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
- Swelling or stiffness limiting movement
- Clicking, locking, or instability
- Pain that affects walking, stairs, or sleep
Early intervention can help prevent long-term joint damage and restore normal function.
Book a Knee Pain Assessment Today
If you’re struggling with knee pain, our experienced osteopaths can help identify the cause and create a personalised treatment plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Book an appointment online
https://www.clevedonosteopaths.com/