Knee Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

The knee is one of the most complex and hardworking joints in the body. It supports our weight, absorbs impact, and allows us to walk, run, jump, and pivot. Because of this, it’s also one of the most commonly injured joints — both in sport and in daily life.

As a physiotherapist, I see people of all ages with knee pain and injuries — from athletes recovering from ligament tears to office workers with stiffness from prolonged sitting. The good news is that with early assessment and tailored physiotherapy, most knee problems can be effectively managed without surgery.

 

Understanding the Knee Joint

The knee is made up of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap), held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Its stability depends on strong, coordinated muscle control — particularly from the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.

When any of these structures are strained, weakened, or injured, pain and instability can develop.

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Common Knee Injuries

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1. Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)

• The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) control forward and backward movement of the knee, while the medial (MCL) and lateral (LCL) ligaments stabilise the sides.

• Common causes: Sudden twisting, pivoting, or contact sports.

• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability or “giving way.”

Physiotherapy Treatment:
Early management includes reducing swelling and restoring range of motion. A structured rehabilitation program then focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, as well as balance and agility training. In some ACL tears, surgery may be required — but physiotherapy before and after surgery is crucial for the best outcomes.

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2. Meniscus Injuries (Cartilage Tear)

• The meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee that can tear due to twisting or deep squatting.

• Symptoms: Locking, clicking, or catching sensations, and pain when squatting or twisting.

Physiotherapy Treatment:
Depending on the severity, many meniscus tears can be treated conservatively (without surgery). Physiotherapy helps to restore mobility, stability, and strength, while avoiding activities that overload the joint early on.

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3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

• This is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially in runners and people who sit for long periods.

• Symptoms: Dull ache around or behind the kneecap, worse with stairs, squatting, or sitting.

Physiotherapy Treatment:
Treatment focuses on correcting muscle imbalances, especially strengthening the quadriceps, hip abductors, and glutes. Soft tissue release, taping, and activity modification also help relieve symptoms.

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4. Tendinopathies (Patellar or Quadriceps Tendon)

• Overuse or repetitive loading can irritate the patellar tendon (“jumper’s knee”) or quadriceps tendon.

• Symptoms: Pain just below the kneecap, worse with jumping, running, or climbing stairs.

Physiotherapy Treatment:
Rehab includes progressive strengthening, starting with isometric (static) exercises and gradually adding more dynamic and sport-specific movements. Load management and addressing training errors are key parts of recovery.

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5. Osteoarthritis of the Knee

• Over time, wear and tear on the cartilage can lead to osteoarthritis, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.

• Symptoms: Morning stiffness, reduced movement, and aching pain that worsens with activity.

Physiotherapy Treatment:
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for knee arthritis. Strengthening the muscles around the knee improves joint support, while stretching, manual therapy, and low-impact aerobic exercise help maintain mobility and function.

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How Physiotherapy Helps Knee Injuries

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in both recovery and prevention of knee injuries. A thorough assessment allows your physiotherapist to identify the exact cause of pain and tailor treatment to your individual goals.

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Physiotherapy May Include:

• Manual therapy: To improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

• Exercise therapy: Strengthening and neuromuscular control to stabilise the knee.

• Taping or bracing: To support the joint during healing or sport.

• Education: About activity modification, pacing, and injury prevention.

• Gait and movement analysis: To identify and correct faulty biomechanics.

A well-structured rehabilitation plan not only treats the current injury but also reduces the risk of recurrence by improving strength, balance, and confidence in movement.

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When to Seek Help

You should consult a physiotherapist if you experience:

• Swelling or bruising after an injury

• Knee pain that lasts more than a few days

• Clicking, locking, or instability

• Difficulty walking, squatting, or going up/down stairs

Early assessment ensures a faster and more complete recovery.

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Final Thoughts

Knee injuries can be frustrating, but they don’t have to keep you from staying active. With a combination of individualised exercise, hands-on therapy, and education, physiotherapy can help you recover safely and return to your sport or daily activities stronger than before.

If you’re dealing with knee pain or recovering from an injury, book an appointment with your physiotherapist — the right rehab plan can make all the difference.