Common Causes of Knee Pain and the Role of Physiotherapy

The knee is a complex hinge joint positioned between two major levers: the femur and tibia. Because it must bear several times body weight during stair climbing, jogging, and squatting, knee discomfort affects patients across every demographic in Surat—from active athletes to seniors.

Common Clinical Causes of Knee Pain

1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome ("Runner's Knee")

Characterized by a dull, aching pain behind or around the kneecap that intensifies when walking down stairs, squatting, or sitting with bent knees for long periods. It frequently stems from an imbalance between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle and the outer IT band.

2. Meniscus Irritation & Mild Tears

The menisci are fibrocartilaginous shock absorbers in the knee. Twisting injuries during badminton or cricket, or age-related degenerative fraying, can cause sharp pain during deep squats, joint line tenderness, and mild swelling after walking.

3. Knee Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Gradual thinning of articular cartilage leads to morning joint stiffness, crepitus (grating sound), and difficulty walking long distances. Rather than avoiding movement—which weakens the joint further—evidence-based physiotherapy strengthens surrounding muscles to absorb shock effectively.

How Clinical Physiotherapy Restores Knee Function

A knee rarely hurts in isolation. During an assessment at our Surat clinic, Dr. Priyanka Patel evaluates the entire kinetic chain:

• Hip & Gluteal Strength: Weak gluteus medius muscles allow the femur to rotate inward during walking, placing abnormal twisting torque on the knee joint.
• Ankle Mobility: Stiff ankles force the knee to compensate by taking extra lateral shear forces during walking and running.
• Quadriceps Hypertrophy & VMO Activation: Safely rebuilding quadriceps strength reduces compressive stress on the patellofemoral cartilage.