Pain Column: Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common condition among many people in Hong Kong. Aloha Wellness & Physiotherapy's pain column will answer the causes, symptoms, daily impacts, and precautions for those with knee pain. Remember to stay tuned until the end for Aloha's treatment recommendations.

Causes of Knee Pain

1. Patellar Tendinitis
   Also known as jumper's knee. The main cause is insufficient quadriceps and gluteal muscle strength or poor force generation, repetitive jumping increases the force on the patellar tendon, leading to inflammation from prolonged overloading, ultimately causing pain below the knee.

2. Ligament Injuries (MCL, LCL, ACL, PCL)
   Ligaments mainly maintain knee stability and prevent dislocation during movement. However, sudden external impacts or poor landing postures can cause knee ligament injuries or tears. The location of pain varies depending on the specific ligament injury.

3. Muscle Trigger Point Referral Pain
   Trigger points refer to a small bundle of muscle fibers that remain contracted and tense, becoming sensitive within that area. When trigger points appear in muscles near the knee, such as the sartorius, adductors, or calf muscles, it can lead to muscle force issues and trigger pain in the inner knee.

4. Iliotibial Band Syndrome
   The iliotibial band mainly connects the tensor fasciae latae, gluteus maximus, and the outer knee. When there is a sudden increase in lower limb activity or intensity, the tension in the iliotibial band becomes excessive, losing elasticity. As a result, the iliotibial band rubs against the outer knee during movement, causing pain on the outer side of the knee.

Symptoms of Pain (Daily Impacts)

1. Sharp stabbing sensation below the knee with each step downhill

   • Increased stabbing pain upon landing from a jump

   • Feeling a bump between the patella and tibia

2. Swelling near the knee ligaments after exercise

   • Lingering soreness even after rest

   • Increased pain in knee ligament position during quick movements or turns

3. Palpable hard nodules along muscle stripes

   • Noticeable weakness in the adductor muscle group

   • Gentle touch causing sharp pain at a specific point on the thigh, sometimes radiating to the knee

4. Pain on the outer side of the knee when going up or down stairs (at a 45-degree knee bend)

   • Initial pain during movement with a stabbing sensation on the outer thigh

Who is Prone to Knee Pain?

1. Athletes

   • Athletes involved in repetitive jumping (volleyball, basketball)

   • High-intensity contact sports athletes (rugby, soccer)

   • Long-distance runners

2. Hikers

3. Regular gym-goers

4. Overweight individuals

5. Sedentary workers

   • Poor posture (crossed legs, pelvic tilt)

6. Women

   • Due to wider pelvis, women experience greater stress on the iliotibial band during exercise

Suitable Treatments at Aloha / Treatment Methods

• Manual Therapy: Therapists will perform manual massages on relevant muscles and use cupping therapy for myofascial release.

• Acupuncture Therapy: Acupuncture targeting trigger points can induce muscle contractions, providing immediate relief.

• Rehabilitation Exercises: Tailored exercises to strengthen weak muscles or activate dormant muscles, improving muscle strength, enhancing knee joint stability, and addressing the root cause of pain.

• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: Therapists will use appropriate instruments to reduce knee joint pain and help with inflammation (ultrasound therapy, interferential therapy, shockwave therapy).

Appointment Booking / Inquiries

Aloha Wellness & Physiotherapy

• Phone: 29872099 | 93158877 (Whatsapp)

• Address: 23/F, Fung Lok House, 56 Queen's