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NL Knee complaints
During the examination, the possible cause of your knee pain will be examined. Especially with knee problems, it is necessary to get a clear picture of the symptoms. The questioning along with additional orthopaedic tests will provide a clear physiotherapy diagnosis. Based on this examination, a treatment plan is drawn up. We find it very important that you understand how possible the complaints arise and what you can take into account to recover from your complaints as quickly as possible!
Besides targeted advice, treatment may include increasing mobility through manual therapy, various muscle techniques and training the muscles through exercise therapy and strength training. With some knee problems, longer rehabilitation is necessary, especially if the goal is to be able to perform a your sport again with full confidence.
Cause
Knee pain can have many different causes. Certain knee complaints are more common than others. Below are some common knee complaints.
Meniscus complaints: The knee has a medial (inner) meniscus and a lateral (outer) meniscus. The meniscus looks like two half-shaped moons sitting on the lower leg. When the knee has to make a quick and forceful rotational movement during sports, a meniscus injury can occur. Because inner meniscus is attached to the capsule of the knee, it gets damaged much faster. When the knee gets into a vulnerable position, the inner meniscus is much less flexible and therefore much greater forces are released on the inner meniscus. Besides this acute form of meniscus injury, the injury can also develop gradually. Minor damage can also cause long-term symptoms. Read here further on meniscus complaints.
Front cruciate ligament injury: An injury to your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries in the knee joint. Every year, over 860,000 knee injuries occur during sports in the Netherlands. A large proportion of these involve an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. The ACL is very important for the stability of your knee during sports. When your anterior cruciate ligament is torn, we see a decrease in the stability of the lower leg compared to the upper leg. This injury usually occurs without an opponent nearby where you need to brake explosively. You are also at higher risk of injuring your anterior cruciate ligament in movements where you have to turn, cut or jump quickly. To get back to your old level of sport, it is important to know what your options are. Read here further about an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Osteoarthritis: About 600,000 Dutch people have osteoarthritis of the knee. It is more common in women than in men. Every year, about 21,000 men and 33,000 women develop complaints of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Like grey hair and wrinkles in the body on the inside, it is also subject to wear and tear. A natural process and nothing to worry about. However, if the symptoms match the image on an X-ray or MRI, then the symptoms are probably due to osteoarthritis. Read here further on knee osteoarthritis.
Muscle- and tendon-related complaints of the knee: At the front of the knee runs the quadriceps tendon. Among other things, this muscle stretches the knee and ensures that the kneecap stays in place. If overuse occurs, this tendon can become irritated. The symptoms are then usually just below the kneecap and can cause an unpleasant feeling when you tighten this muscle. We see these complaints most often in sports such as volleyball and basketball where there is a lot of jumping. Hence, this complaint is also called a Jumpers knee. Symptoms of a Jumpers knee are often:
- Pain at the front of the knee
- Start-up complaints
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Pressure under the kneecap causes symptoms
Common Knee complaints
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Anterior cruciate ligament injury
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Traumatic osteoarthritis after a knee injury
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Knee pain risk factors
The development of knee problems is often the result of a combination of mechanical, functional and sometimes anatomical factors. Understanding these risk factors is important to prevent recurrence and to make targeted adjustments during rehabilitation or training.
Prolonged or repeated loading without sufficient recovery time can lead to irritation of structures in and around the knee, such as tendons, bursas or cartilage. Especially with a sudden increase in training volume or intensity (e.g. running or squatting), complaints can arise.
Sports such as football, basketball, skiing and hockey carry an increased risk of acute knee injuries due to rapid changes of direction, contact moments or twists.
People with a history of meniscus, ligament or cartilage injuries have an increased risk of recurrent complaints or degeneration in the knee joint.
With age, the quality of cartilage decreases and arthritic changes occur more frequently. These cause stiffness, reduced shock absorption and pain under stress.
Examination for knee problems
A good treatment plan starts with an accurate diagnosis. At Fysio Fitaal, we always start with a comprehensive interview and physical examination. We analyse the movement pattern and perform specific tests to determine which structures may be affected. If necessary, we collaborate with general practitioners, sports doctors or orthopaedic specialists for additional investigations such as an MRI.
At Physio Fitaal, we have the ability to use musculoskeletal ultrasound as part of our diagnostic process. Ultrasound is a valuable, pain-free and direct way of imaging structures such as tendons, muscles, bursas, capsules and, in some cases, superficial cartilage or ligaments. Using this technique, we can more quickly and accurately determine the cause of a complaint and whether there is tissue damage, inflammation or overuse.
Common knee problems
Anterior cruciate ligament (VKB) injury - Tear or stretching of the anterior cruciate ligament, often due to rotational movements.
Posterior cruciate ligament injury (AKB) - Usually from a direct blow to the tibia or from a fall on the flexed knee.
Meniscus injury - Tear or irritation of the inner or outer meniscus, often when twisting or bending.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) - Pain around or behind the kneecap, often with stair climbing or prolonged sitting.
Jumpers knee (patella tendinopathy) - Overuse of the tendon below the kneecap, common in jumping or strength athletes.
Runners knee (iliotibial friction syndrome) - Friction on the outside of the knee, especially in endurance athletes.
Knee osteoarthritis - Wear of the cartilage in the knee, leads to pain, stiffness and restriction of movement.
Bursitis (bursitis) - Inflammation of a bursa around the knee, often caused by pressure or repetitive strain.
MCL or LCL injury - Injury to the inner (MCL) or outer (LCL) knee ligament due to lateral forces.
Patella luxation - (Sub)luxation of the kneecap, usually outward, often in young athletes.
Osgood-Schlatter - Growth-related overuse of the patellar tendon insertion in children/young people.
Anatomy of the knee
A joint is a place in the body where two bone parts come together. In the knee, this is the femur (upper leg) and the tibia (lower leg). Between these bone parts is cartilage, which has a very smooth surface so it can move smoothly. To properly control the knee joint, there are different types of ligaments in and around the knee. On the inside and outside are the collateral ligaments. Between the femur and tibia is the inner and outer meniscus this acts as a shock absorber between these two bone parts. In the knee there is the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament. The anterior cruciate ligament provides passive stability. Tyres, bones, capsules and the position of joints provide passive stability you have no control over. Active stability is controlled by muscles and tendons. So you do have control over this. Active and passive stability together determine how stable a joint is.
Frequently asked questions for knee problems
How do I know if my knee problems are serious?
Not every knee pain is serious, but when pain persists, increases, is accompanied by swelling, instability or locking symptoms (the knee cannot stretch or bend properly), it is wise to consult a physiotherapist or doctor. Early assessment prevents symptoms from worsening.
What is the difference between acute and chronic knee pain?
Acute knee pain occur suddenly, often after a fall, twist or sports injury. Think of a torn meniscus or cruciate ligament. Chronic complaints develop gradually, as in osteoarthritis, tendon problems or overuse. Both types require a different approach in treatment.
Should I see my GP for physiotherapy on my knee first?
No, at Fysio Fitaal you can visit us directly without a referral from your GP. We carry out an extensive screening and intake to properly assess the complaint. If necessary, we refer you to a doctor or specialist.
How is the cause of my knee pain determined?
During the intake, we combine your story (anamnesis) with physical examination, specific tests and - if necessary - ultrasound. In this way, we specifically map out which structures are affected and what the underlying problem is.
How long does recovery from knee pain take?
Recovery time varies greatly by complaint and person. A mild strain can recover within a few weeks, while a cruciate ligament rehabilitation takes months. At Fysio Fitaal, we work with clear phases, measuring moments and realistic goals to monitor recovery closely.
Is ultrasound standard practice for knee pain?
For specific complaints - such as tendon irritation, bursitis or fluid accumulation - ultrasound can provide valuable additional information. This helps us fine-tune the treatment plan. We discuss whether ultrasound is necessary during the intake.
Can I keep exercising with knee problems?
In many cases, appropriate continued exercise is better than complete rest. We will help you determine what is and what is definitely not wise. That way, you can stay active without further overburdening your knee.
Do you also treat knee problems after surgery?
Yes, we specialise in rehabilitation after knee surgery, such as cruciate ligament reconstructions, meniscus sutures and knee replacements. With our extensive facilities and expertise, we guide patients from day 1 to full return to sports or daily functioning.
Knee pain treatment Physio Fitaal in Tilburg
The treatment of knee problems always depends on the cause, severity and duration of the symptoms. At Fysio Fitaal, we work with a personal and targeted approach, based on the latest scientific findings. After a comprehensive intake and physical examination, we draw up a treatment plan fully tailored to the individual situation.
Treatment may include a combination of:
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Exercise therapy aimed at improving muscle strength, stability and movement control
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Manual techniques to improve mobility of the knee joint or surrounding structures
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Running and jumping technique training, if the complaint is sport-related
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Ultrasound as a complementary and evaluative tool to assess the load capacity of structures such as tendons, bursas or ligaments
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Data-driven measurements To monitor objective progress (force measurements, jump analysis, movement analysis)
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Education and advice On strain, recovery and prevention
What makes our approach unique is the transparency throughout the treatment process. With regular assessments, visual feedback and clear goals, we keep both therapist and patient actively involved in the process. This ensures realistic expectations, targeted adjustments and a greater chance of sustainable recovery.
Whether it is acute complaints, long-term overuse or rehabilitation after surgery - at Physio Fitaal we always offer high-quality, informed treatment that suits the person behind the complaint.
Physiotherapy for knee injury
The physiotherapist is often the first point of contact for knee problems. With specific tests and experience in assessing movement problems, the physiotherapist helps shed light quickly on the cause of complaints. Through targeted advice, exercises and guidance, physiotherapy contributes to a safe and sustainable recovery - whether it is sports-related complaints, overuse or rehabilitation after surgery.
Making an appointment at FysioFitaal
We work from multiple locations in Tilburg, always close by for professional and accessible physiotherapy. Fill in the contact form and we will contact you soon. Together, we will work on your recovery!
