The Knee and Lower Leg
Our lower leg and knee physiotherapy is used to treat all kinds of issues, from strengthening ligaments to injured bones. The knee joint is formed by the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), known as the tibiofemoral joint. In addition, the 2nd component of the knee is known as the patello-femoral joint. The patella (knee-cap) lies within the patella tendon and glides over the groove at the front of the femur during motion. The contacting 3 bones are lined with articular cartilage.
Four strong ligaments provide stability for the knee joint 2 cruciate ligaments (in the middle of the joint) and 2 collateral ligaments (at the sides of the joint).
In the middle of the femur and tibia lie two C shaped wedges of fibrocartilage; these are known the meniscus. Their primary function is to spread the load and reduce the shock going through the knee when weight bearing, they also maintain the correct anatomical position of the 2 bones.
There are also a lot of bursae within the knee joint over 12 in fact! These structures are little fluid filled sacs that aim to reduce friction between adjacent structures.
Numerous muscles surround the knee, particularly the quadriceps at the front, the hamstrings at the back and the gastrocnemius & soleus (calf complex) also at the back of the knee. Injuries to this area can be treated with knee physiotherapy to help with recovery.
Common Problems With The Knee And Lower Leg
Our lower leg and knee physiotherapy is used to treat a number of conditions, including:
- Ligament sprains/injury
- Meniscal tears
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle strains
- Patella tendinitis
- Bursitis (Bakers cyst/Housemaids knee)
- Fat Pad impingement
- Anterior knee pain (AKP)
- Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
- ITB syndrome
- Osgood Schlatters disease
- Sinding-Larsson syndrome
- Shin splints (periostitis/tibial stress syndrome)
- Compartment syndrome
- Tibialis Posterior insufficiency syndrome
- Fractures: tibia, fibula, femur, patella
- Post operatively:
- ACL ligament reconstructions
- Cartilage repairs (menisectomies)
- Arthroscopy
- Osteochondral defects
- Joint replacements (total and half knee replacements)
Call Harpenden Physiotherapy Today
Give our Harpenden clinic a call on 01582 761448 or get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how our lower leg and knee physiotherapy or sports massage can help you with any pain which you may be experiencing.