Understanding the problem
Where does knee pain come from?
The knee is a "victim" joint: it suffers what happens above (hip, core, glutes) and below (ankle, foot).
The most common causes are muscle imbalance, overload, faulty biomechanics. Rarely is it "cartilage wear".
The key point: "I have cartilage wear" on MRI does not equal "inevitable pain". 40% of pain-free adults have cartilage alterations.
The 4 most frequent causes
- Patellofemoral syndrome (runner's knee): anterior pain in those who run, jump, squat
- Patellar tendinopathy: pain below the kneecap in athletes
- Degenerative meniscal lesions: more common with age, often asymptomatic
- Knee osteoarthritis: osteoarthritis, common after age 50
Specific symptoms
Do you recognize yourself in any of these cases?
The localization of the pain helps the physiotherapist narrow down the clinical diagnosis.
Common mistakes
5 things that make knee pain worse.
Common mistakes we see in many patients.
Repeated icing for days
In acute phases ice helps in the first 2-3 days. Chronically it slows regenerative processes.
Total rest waiting for it to "pass"
Prolonged rest weakens the quadriceps. Better to do modified activity.
Elastic knee brace used all the time
Chronically it weakens the stabilizing muscles.
Relying solely on TENS, ultrasound, ozone therapy
Passive therapies alone have limited evidence.
Continuing to run through pain
The thought "I run a lot, my knee is used to it" leads to chronic tendinopathy.
Free consultation
When a physiotherapist can make the difference.
A personalized path is essential if:
- Pain for more than 6 weeks despite self-treatment
- You have had a trauma
- Recurrent swelling after activity
- You feel joint locking
- Diagnosis of meniscal lesion, ACL, knee osteoarthritis
On Ri-Hub the first visit is free.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Can runner's knee be treated with physiotherapy?
Yes. Specific strengthening program = results in 6-8 weeks.
Can knee osteoarthritis be treated with physiotherapy?
Yes. Guidelines recommend therapeutic exercise as the first line.
Can I run with knee pain?
Practical rule: pain ≤ 3/10 is usually manageable.
Do I need to operate on the meniscus?
Often no. Recent studies show that partial meniscectomy offers no advantages.
After ACL surgery is online physiotherapy ok?
For intermediate-advanced phases yes.