Lateral knee pain is common in all sports and activities. Here at G4, we see a lot of clients with pain attributed to numerous possible sources of injury. Such cases may include Lateral Meniscal Injuries, Ilio-Tibial Band (ITB) Syndrome, Lateral Collateral Ligament sprains and Patello-Femoral Joint pain.
Meniscal injuries may involve one or both menisci in the knee. Symptoms may be caused with trauma such as a twisting injury playing football or a gradual degenerative onset with activity. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, instability, clicking or locking of the knee joint.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are normally associated with trauma involving a twisting injury to the knee joint.
ITB problems are normally associated with pain and inflammation on the lateral aspect of the knee in which irritation occurs from overuse. The ITB is a thick fibrous band of tissue situated on the outer side of the thigh & knee. Pain may originate more proximal towards the outer part of the pelvis and hip joint near the greater trochanter of the femur bone. ITB injuries are often seen in runners and cyclists involving repetitive knee flexion and extension at specific ranges causing local inflammation. Overuse activities that irritate the ITB also include hill-walking, repetitive exercises such as squats and running over undulating land.
Patello-Femoral Joint pain may present itself with the onset of medial, anterior or lateral knee pain. Both acute and chronic pain can be experienced either through trauma or degenerative changes.
Our specialists at G4 will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation to alleviate the pain and allow a full return to your favourite sports and activities. On occasions, physiotherapy in conjunction with a biomechanical assessment (including footwear review) is highly recommended to assist with the short and long term management and pain relief from such injuries.