Knee & Leg Pain
Leg and knee pain treatment in South Bristol
If you’re struggling with knee pain, leg pain, sciatica, or pain running down the leg, our experienced chiropractors and osteopaths in South Bristol can help. We provide drug-free, hands on, non-surgical treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, helping you move more comfortably and get back to daily life, work, and sport.
Common leg and knee pain symptoms
The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It is made up of 3 bones, 3 compartments, 2 menisci and 4 ligaments as well as cartilage, muscles and tendons. When these individual components are in good working order, the knee functions normally and without pain, but if any one of them is not, the knee joint is unable to function properly which can cause pain.
In addition, routine daily activities which place stress on the knee can result in inflammation of the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the joint. As such, knee pain symptoms can be varied. For an idea of the different knee pain symptoms our South Bristol musculoskeletal clinic regularly helps patients with, see below:
Types of knee pain
Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal issue, experienced by people in all walks of life. Knee and leg pain can come from the knee joint itself, the muscles and tendons of the leg, or even the lower back and hips. It can also occur as a result of osteoarthritis (or degeneration of the joint), tight muscles or sporting activity, and can also be felt as referred pain due to foot, ankle or hip problems, that can affect your posture and the way your knee is used. For more information on the different leg and knee conditions we treat at our South Bristol clinic, including symptoms for each condition, please see below:
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a common condition that causes pain around or behind the kneecap. Often developing when the knee joint is placed under repeated stress, particularly during running, squatting, kneeling, or climbing stairs, common symptoms include: pain around or behind the kneecap, pain when climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling or running, discomfort after sitting for long periods, clicking or grinding sensations in the knee or occasional feelings of the knee giving way.
Knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the joint’s cartilage gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include: knee pain that worsens with activity, stiffness, especially after resting or in the morning, swelling around the joint, reduced range of movement, grinding, clicking or cracking sensations or difficulty with walking, stairs or everyday activities.
Damaged meniscus
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber within the knee. Damage to the meniscus can occur through twisting movements, sporting activities, or age-related wear and tear. Common symptoms of meniscus damage include: pain along the inside or outside of the knee, swelling and stiffness, clicking, catching or locking of the joint, difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee or a feeling of instability or the knee giving way.
Knee tendonitis and ligament strains
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes irritated due to repetitive stress or overuse. Ligament strains occur when the ligaments supporting the knee are overstretched, often following a sudden movement, twist or sporting injury. Common symptoms of knee tendonitis and ligament strains include: localised knee pain, tenderness around the affected area, swelling and inflammation, knee pain during movement or exercise, reduced strength or stability or stiffness and restricted movement.
IT band syndrome
Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome occurs due to overuse and affects the thick band of tissue that runs from the hip to the outside of the knee. It is particularly common among runners, cyclists and active individuals. Common symptoms of IT band syndrome include: pain on the outside of the knee, knee pain that worsens during running or repetitive exercise, tenderness along the outer knee, tightness along the outer thigh or hip, symptoms that ease with rest but return with activity and chronic knee pain and stiffness.
Sciatica and nerve-related leg pain
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot is often linked to sciatica or a trapped nerve. Sciatica symptoms may include: sharp or burning pain down the leg, tingling or numbness, weakness in the leg or foot and pain made worse by sitting, bending, or coughing.
Effective leg and knee pain treatment in South Bristol
If knee pain, leg pain, sciatica or nerve pain down the leg is affecting your daily life, we’re here to help. Our South Bristol chiropractors and osteopaths provide thorough assessments, hands-on treatment, and personalised rehabilitation to help you move better and feel better. Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at The Bristol Back Pain Clinic explains: “Recovery begins with understanding the cause of pain. Following a detailed assessment, we help our patients gain a clear understanding of their condition and the range of effective treatments for knee pain we can deliver. Our goal is not just short-term pain relief, but long-term improvement in movement, strength and function.”
Osteopathic and chiropractic treatment for leg and knee pain
At our South Bristol chiropractic and osteopathic clinic, our chiropractors and osteopaths use a range of different manual treatment techniques to treat leg and knee pain. These range from joint mobilisations or adjustments, stretching and massage techniques, acupuncture, nutritional advice, relaxation techniques plus home stretches and exercises to help support recovery and help get you back to doing the things you love.
If you are experiencing ongoing leg and knee pain, book an appointment with one of our South Bristol knee and leg pain specialists for a professional assessment to help identify the cause of your pain as well as evidence-based treatment to help get you back to your full potential.
