Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels.
Whether it develops suddenly after an injury or gradually over time, knee pain can limit mobility, reduce confidence in movement, and impact daily life.
Understanding the different types of knee pain—and how podiatrists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating it—can help you take meaningful steps toward long‑term relief.
What Causes Knee Pain
Knee pain can stem from issues within the knee joint itself or from problems elsewhere in the lower limb that place excess stress on the knee. Common causes include:
- Overuse injuries from repetitive activities like running, jumping, or prolonged walking
- Biomechanical imbalances, such as flat feet or high arches, which alter the way forces travel through the legs
- Traumatic injuries, including ligament sprains, meniscus tears, or patellar dislocations
- Degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis
- Muscle weakness or tightness, especially in the hips, calves, and quadriceps
- Poor footwear that fails to support natural alignment
Types of Knee Pain
Knee pain can present in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common types include:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Often called “runner’s knee,” PFPS causes pain around or behind the kneecap. It’s commonly linked to poor tracking of the patella due to muscle imbalance or foot posture issues.
Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
Pain occurs on the outer side of the knee when the ITB becomes tight or irritated. This is especially common in runners and cyclists.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Degeneration of the knee joint leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity. Foot mechanics can significantly influence how quickly symptoms progress.
Patellar Tendinopathy (“Jumper’s Knee”)
Pain at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap, caused by repetitive strain on the patellar tendon.
Meniscus-Related Pain
Damage to the cartilage inside the knee can cause sharp pain, clicking, or locking sensations.
Referred Pain from Foot or Hip Issues
Sometimes the knee is not the true source of the problem. Misalignment or dysfunction in the feet or hips can overload the knee joint.
How Podiatrists can help with Knee Pain
Podiatrists are experts in lower‑limb biomechanics—the way your feet, ankles, knees, and hips work together during movement. Because many knee problems originate from the feet or gait patterns, podiatrists are uniquely positioned to diagnose and treat knee pain.
Comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment
Your podiatrist can evaluate how you walk, stand, and move. We look for issues such as overpronation, leg length differences, or muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your knee pain.
Custom Foot Orthotics
Orthotics can correct abnormal foot mechanics, improve alignment, and reduce stress on the knee joint. They are often highly effective for conditions like PFPS, ITB syndrome, and arthritis.
Footwear Guidance
The right shoes can dramatically reduce knee strain. Our podiatrists can recommend footwear that supports your foot type and activity level.
Strengthening and Stretching Programs
Targeted exercises help correct muscle imbalances in the feet, calves, quadriceps, and hips—key areas that influence knee stability.
Gait Retraining
Small adjustments to your walking or running technique can significantly reduce knee load.
Pain Management Strategies
This may include taping, manual therapy, load management advice, and activity modification.
Collaboration with Other Health Professionals
When needed, our podiatrists work alongside physiotherapists, GPs, and orthopaedic specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
Protection, compression, and Elevation
Anti-inflammatory medication
Stretching & strengthening exercises
Wearing cushioned, supportive shoes
Orthotic inserts
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Ready to fix your Knee Pain?
If you have persistent knee pain, consult Galleria Podiatry for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. If you’re located in Morley and near Bayswater, Galleria Podiatry provides specialised care for foot and ankle issues for all patients in the City of Bayswater.
Your Knee Pain Questions Answered
What is knee pain?
Knee pain is incredibly common and can affect anyone — from active adults and athletes to people who spend long hours on their feet. Because the knee is a major weight‑bearing joint, even small issues can quickly become painful and limit your ability to walk, exercise, or enjoy daily activities.
What causes knee pain?
Knee pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time. Common causes include: poor foot posture, overuse injuries, muscle imbalance or weakness, arthritis or age‑related wear and tear, trauma and improper footwear. Because the knee sits between the foot and the hip, any imbalance below or above the joint can change the way forces travel through the leg — often leading to pain.
What are the symptoms of knee pain?
- Pain in or around the knee joint
- Stiffness or reduced movement
- Swelling or inflammation
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
- Instability or “giving way”
- Locking or catching
- Pain during specific activities
How does a podiatrist treat knee pain?
Podiatrists specialise in the mechanics of the lower limb — the way your feet, ankles, knees, and hips work together. Because many knee problems are caused or worsened by poor alignment or gait issues, podiatrists play a key role in long‑term knee pain management. Podiatrists can help with:
- Biomechanical Assessment
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Footwear Recommendations
- Strength & Mobility Programs
- Gait Retraining
- Pain Relief Techniques
- Collaborative Care
