Knee Pain
The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body and hence the most injured.
It is formed by four bones which are connected by muscles, ligaments and tendons. The femur is the large thigh bone and attaches to the tibia by a capsule and ligaments. The fibula runs parallel to the tibia on the outer side of your lower leg. The patella (knee cap) is the small bone at the front of the knee. It rides on the knee joint as the knee bends and straightens.
Common injuries include sprains and strains, generalized knee pain, ligament damage and structural changes. For most complaints your osteopath will be able to manage and treat your knee pain. For more serious injuries such as torn ligaments your osteopath may refer you to a sports physician for further assessment.
Initial management for acute knee complaints may include REST (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Osteopathic treatment may include joint mobilization, soft tissue and muscle stretching techniques to balance muscle tension and improve joint biomechanics. Your osteopath may also prescribe exercises to improve muscle strength, proprioception and balance to reduce your symptoms and reduce the likelihood of recurrence of your complaint.