Hello!

Join Login
Learn More

Article 3 easy steps to eliminate knee pain

By

29 Comments

Most people will at one point or another experience knee pain during their life.

For some this pain will subside quickly, however, if you are one of the less lucky ones there are a few important tips that will help you on your road to recovery.

From my experience the most common place to experience knee pain is the anteromedial aspect of the patella, or more simply the inside area of the knee.

There are many things that may be causing your pain and each person is different in what works for them but here are a few of my best methods that have success the majority of the time.

First things first –  rest and remove inflammation

The most important rule for any type of rehabilitation is removing the aggravating factors. Make a list of things that you know make your knee pain worse, whether it be running, going up or down stairs, sitting for long periods of time or kneeling on the knee. You must make sure to avoid these things at all cost for a minimum of 5-7 days.

During this time you should be using an ice pack every time that you notice your knee pain.

When using ice always make sure it is covered with a cloth and apply for only 15 minutes at a time.

Secondly – eliminate muscle tightness from surrounding muscles

The most effective way to do this is by having a deep tissue remedial massage in order to lengthen and release the tight muscles in the lower limb. You can assist the lengthening of your muscles by diligently stretching the quads, hip flexors and glutes and by using a foam roller.

I’m sure most of you are aware of what a foam roller looks like and unfortunately the pain it can inflict.

It is important when using the foam roller for knee pain that you roll slowly and all the way from the knee up to the hipbone.

You will need to use the foam roller on the following areas: Quads, Glutes and most importantly the ITB (Iliotibial Band). You should spend a minimum of 2 minutes on each area daily.

Thirdly – corrective exercise

When your pain has subsided and you feel ready to go back to training there are a few things you can do to prevent the knee pain reoccuring.

The most important thing to note when returning to activity is that you should be pain free while doing exercise AND 24 hours after.

Therefore, if you wake the following day and you knee pain has worsened you have done too much too soon.

Ice should again be applied after exercise to reduce the chance of re-inflaming the area.

Make sure that you are using proper technique when running, squatting and lunging to prevent re-injury. The muscle that you should be most aware of is your VMO (Vastus Medialis Oblique). This muscle is on the inside of your thigh and if it is weak can be a factor contributing to your knee pain. Making sure that this muscle is activating during exercise can be down by simply placing two fingers on the area to feel for contraction. You can also slightly turn your foot out when performing lunges and squats to help this muscle activate.

If your pain still persists don’t be alarmed it just means you need a little more treatment to help recover.

A remedial therapist can use a wide range of modalities to help with your recovery including: Trigger point therapy, transverse frictions, dry needling, myofascial release, supportive taping and corrective exercise.

Have you ever experienced knee pain, what did you do to overcome it? Please share in the comments below.

Main image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Share this

Comments

  • I suffer from arthritic knee pain. I can never be rid of it but I have reduced it with exercise. My GP suggested yoga…..build up the muscular system to support the skeletal system, reducing stress and strain on it. It has worked to an extent, not completely though

    Reply

  • great to read

    Reply

  • Knee pain is awful, had a torn off cruciate ligament and post op recovery took ages.

    Reply

  • Such a great article. Thanku very much for the information, as I often get pains in my knees.
    Thankyou :)

    Reply

  • Any tips for exercises to build up your VMO???

    Reply

  • Thank for the helpful tips and hints, I have terrible knees

    • Thanks, I’m glad you liked it. If you’re prone to having sore knees then these are simple but important tips to remember.

    Reply

  • A well thought out article, thankyou. Have passed this on to a friend to help.

    Reply

  • also try to identify the cause. i had knee pain while riding and it turns out that i had to adjust the seat lol

    Reply

  • That’s very helpful, thank you.

    Reply

  • I got knee pain for years end up finding out my ankle roll in. Need to wear special shoes and insole.

    Reply

  • Really smart points here. Thanks Caitlin.

    Reply

  • I damaged my knee in a skiing accident many years ago it still ache’s sometimes but I just rest it and do some additional stretches to loosen it up

    Reply

  • Much needed advice for my daughter.

    Reply

  • I find if I don’t stretch I suffer.

    Reply

  • Tip 4 IF not responding visit the DR for a referral to the Xray Dept.

    Reply

  • I will have to let my hubby see this article! I have not had knee pain as yet so I have been very lucky!

    Reply

  • Nothing worse than knee pain. Tore my cruciate ligament and needed operation. Recovery took months. :-(

    • Knee injuries can take months to heal with lots of therapy and treatment.

    Reply

  • Thanks for sharing your knee care tips. Rollers are brilliant!

    • Thanks! Yes I agree, the foam roller and spikey ball work well. Very important to prevent the muscles from getting too tense.

    Reply

  • the physio strapped it and it was great.

    • Yes, taping is also a tool we commonly use following a treatment. I find it really helpful in correcting knee alignment.

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join