Conditions of the knee commonly affect the ligaments and menisci. The articular cartilage can be damaged or wear out ultimately causing osteoarthritis.
Torn ligaments are caused by excessive force across the knee joint through sporting injury or accident.
Menisci are damaged or torn by weight bearing and twisting forces usually on a flexed knee.
One of the more common causes of knee pain is chondromalacia patella which can cause pain in the front of the knee, worsened with stairs or hills.
Ageing or a genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid disease may cause the smooth articular surfaces of the knee to be damaged resulting in pain and stiffness (arthritis).
Bursitis and tendonitis about the knee can also cause pain.
The London Knee Unit offers advice and treatment for conditions that affect all parts of the knee. If you would like to find out more about the treatments we provide for orthopaedic conditions please visit our other musculoskeletal sites:
Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle injuries Nerve injuries Shoulder injuries