Knee complaints (EN)

In (sports-related) injuries, we mainly see a lot of swelling, limited movement when bending and straightening the joint, and pain when putting weight on it during the acute phase. The most commonly affected structures are the so-called meniscus, which serve as shock absorbers, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, the bursae, and the joint ligaments. If the knee is twisted and painful, this does not necessarily mean, for example, that the meniscus is damaged. In more than 90% of cases, it is a sprain of the knee.

Once the additional diagnostic tests have been completed, a targeted treatment plan will be drawn up in consultation with your therapist to work on recovery. Exercise therapy, “hands-on” techniques such as stretching muscles, and shockwave therapy are some of the methods that may be applicable. For more information about this, visit ShockwaveVeldhoven.nl.

Below are the most common knee complaints. If you recognize yourself in any of these complaint patterns, you can make a non-binding appointment with one of our physiotherapists. After determining the severity of an injury, an appropriate treatment plan can be drawn up for the rehabilitation period, both in the case of post-surgery and with a conservative approach, meaning without intervention.

In the case of a severe trauma, we also see that the joint capsule is damaged. At this stage, rest, pain relief, and, on the advice of the general practitioner or specialist, pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended. In an acute case, advice will be given regarding weight-bearing and walking training using elbow crutches so that the knee can rest optimally. Taping the knee is also an intervention that may be applicable at this stage. After the intake with our physiotherapist, a referral will be made if necessary. This could be to your general practitioner or a recommendation with a report for a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon.

In the knee, there are two orange slice-shaped pieces of cartilage called the menisci. There is one on the outside and one on the inside of the knee. They provide stability to the joint and ensure that the knee joint moves smoothly.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury often occurs after a traumatic event and causes immediate pain. In addition, the knee swells immediately and cannot be fully loaded. A consequence is that people become uncertain when using the knee and during sports. The knee is unstable due to the missing anterior cruciate ligament, which can lead to wear and tear complaints. This can largely be managed through targeted exercise therapy. In the case of a reconstruction, targeted exercise therapy and guidance are also needed to restore optimal knee function.

Because the knee is a hinge joint between the thigh and the lower leg, strong ligaments are needed to provide stability to the joint. There is a medial (inner) and a lateral (outer) collateral ligament that stabilizes the knee against sideways forces.

With a sideways force outward, an injury to the outer ligament can occur, and with a sideways force inward, an injury to the inner ligament occurs. The severity and whether the ligaments are torn will affect the situation. A tear in one of the ligaments will be very painful and sharp at that moment. If the ligament completely tears, the pain will quickly decrease because the capsule is no longer under tension. In both cases, the knee will swell but can often still be used. Medical imaging will be necessary to determine to what extent the ligaments are stretched or torn.

The kneecap can cause various knee problems for different reasons. Going up and down stairs can be painful or cause irritation, but squatting or certain exercises where the knee bends or is subjected to heavier load can also be limited as a result. It is important that these complaints are addressed in time to prevent wear and tear of the kneecap.

The quadriceps tendon runs from the thigh to over the knee joint and is responsible for extending the joint. In addition, it resists bending, for example when going down stairs or squatting. This tendon experiences a lot of tensile force, for instance when jumping, which is why it is often referred to as “jumper’s knee” if it is affected. In the acute phase, the tendon attachment will be very sensitive and painful when pressure is applied. For example, kneeling will not be possible. With this complaint, it is important to look at the feet. A high arch or flat feet can affect the development or maintenance of the symptoms. If necessary, your physiotherapist will refer you to a podiatrist.