Are you experiencing knee pain when bending? Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture in Limerick and Charleville is here to help. Knee pain can significantly impact your daily life, but understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Bending
Knee pain when bending can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. These are some of the most common causes we see at our Limerick and Charleville clinics:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): This is a frequent cause of pain around the kneecap. It often occurs due to overuse, muscle imbalances, or poor patellar tracking, leading to pain when bending, squatting, or going up and down stairs.
Osteoarthritis (OA): A “wear and tear” form of arthritis, OA occurs when the cartilage that cushions your knee joint deteriorates. Bending the knee can cause bone-on-bone friction, leading to pain, stiffness, and a grinding sensation.
Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber. A sudden twist of the knee can cause a tear, resulting in sharp pain, swelling, and a feeling of the knee “locking” or “catching” when you bend it.
Tendinitis: This is inflammation of a tendon, such as the patellar tendon (located just below the kneecap). Tendinitis is often caused by repetitive movements, common in athletes and cyclists, causing a burning pain when the knee is bent.
Bursitis: Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee joint. Inflammation of these sacs, or bursitis, can be caused by repeated pressure on the knee, such as prolonged kneeling. This leads to swelling and pain when you bend the knee.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus): The arch of your foot is crucial for absorbing shock and maintaining proper alignment. When you have flat feet, the arches collapse, causing your feet to roll inward (a condition called overpronation). This throws off the alignment of your entire leg, putting unnatural stress on your knees. Over time, this can lead to knee pain, especially when bending, as the joint is forced to operate in a way it wasn’t designed to.
How Don Kelly Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Can Help You
At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we specialize in identifying the root cause of your knee pain. We don’t just treat the symptoms; we develop a personalized physiotherapy plan to address your specific condition. Our treatments, available at our Limerick and Charleville clinics, may include:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
Dry Needling: A modern, evidence-based treatment that uses thin, solid needles to target and release myofascial trigger points—tight, irritable knots in muscles. This can effectively reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, and improve range of motion, particularly for conditions like tendinitis and runner’s knee.
Acupuncture: A form of traditional Chinese medicine that can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Targeted Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises for the muscles supporting the knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, to improve stability and function.
Orthotics: If flat feet are contributing to your knee pain, we may recommend custom orthotics to provide proper arch support and correct the biomechanics of your foot and leg.
Whether your pain is from an old sports injury, a new strain, or a chronic condition, our expert care can help you get back to living pain-free. If you’re searching for “physiotherapy for knee pain in Limerick” or “acupuncture for knee pain in Charleville,” look no further.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back. Contact Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture today to book an appointment at our Limerick or Charleville clinic and start your journey toward recovery.
