Knee Pain
Knee Pain Treatment at The London Podiatry Centre
Knee pain is often more complex than it appears — and at The London Podiatry Centre, we understand that successful treatment begins with understanding the whole picture.
Efficient knee function depends not only on the knee joint itself but also on the stability of the foot and pelvis. Misalignment or weakness in any of these areas can disrupt normal movement and lead to persistent knee pain.
We frequently receive referrals from elite sports teams, both in the UK and internationally — particularly for professional footballers and athletes experiencing unresolved or recurrent knee issues. Using our world-class 3D gait analysis technology, we’re able to identify biomechanical causes of knee pain that are often missed elsewhere.
One of the most common foot-related causes is patellofemoral pain syndrome, where poor alignment of the kneecap leads to irritation and discomfort. In many cases, stabilising the foot with custom orthoses and correcting movement patterns through rehabilitation can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
Other causes may include:
- Lack of shock absorption, increasing strain on the meniscus or cartilage
- Pelvic instability altering the tracking of the knee
- Muscle imbalances related to poor lower limb mechanics
At our Centre, we don’t simply treat knee pain — we investigate its origins through detailed biomechanical assessment, then provide targeted treatment plans designed to improve function and long-term joint health.
Whether you’re an athlete or someone dealing with everyday discomfort, our goal is to restore comfort, prevent injury, and optimise knee performance through a whole-body approach.
Why Foot Function Is So Often Linked to Knee Pain
The knee is highly dependent on correct alignment and stability above and below the joint. When the foot or hip is out of alignment, the knee is forced into unnatural loading patterns, often leading to pain, inflammation, and long-term wear.
Without identifying and correcting the cause, even excellent local treatments to the knee may fail to resolve the problem long-term.
Common Causes of Knee Pain We See
A list of common of causes related to knee pains that LPC can offer treatments for.
- Abnormal tracking of the kneecap due to lower limb misalignment.
- Strongly linked to foot pronation, pelvic instability, hip weakness and muscle imbalance.
- Often leads to:
- Pain on stairs, squatting or prolonged sitting.
- Clicking or grinding behind the kneecap.
- Early degeneration of cartilage behind the kneecap.
- Often secondary to patellofemoral malalignment.
- Early biomechanical correction can prevent progression.
- Caused by excessive hip drop and rotational malalignment.
- Results in friction over the outer knee.
- Often associated with:
- Pelvic weakness
- Leg length discrepancies
- Foot and ankle dysfunction
- Frequently accompanied by trochanteric bursitis at the hip.
- Degeneration of cartilage on one side of the knee joint.
- Custom orthotics and footwear can redistribute loading and relieve pressure on damaged compartments.
- Tears or degeneration of the meniscus cartilage.
- May be associated with repetitive overload from abnormal gait.
- Many cases respond well to biomechanical offloading; severe tears may require surgical input.
- Repetitive abnormal loading may strain the MCL, LCL or cruciate ligaments even without full rupture.
- Correcting gait and limb alignment reduces chronic ligament stress.
- Hip arthritis may present as knee pain.
- Gait analysis identifies abnormal compensation patterns contributing to referred symptoms.
How We Diagnose Knee Pain at The London Podiatry Centre
Every patient receives a comprehensive assessment, including:
- 3D Computerised Gait Analysis
- Plantar Pressure Mapping
- Full Biomechanical Evaluation
- Leg Length and Pelvic Alignment Assessment
- Diagnostic Ultrasound (for associated tendon or soft tissue issues)
- Referral for MRI or X-ray Imaging where deeper knee joint imaging is needed
Our thorough diagnostic work ensures that we address both where the pain is, and more importantly, why it’s happening.
Our Treatment Approach for Knee Pain
Non-Invasive Management (Primary Care Pathway)
- Custom Orthotic Devices to correct faulty foot mechanics and optimise knee alignment.
- Specialist Footwear Advice to protect and support vulnerable joints.
- Targeted Rehabilitation programs (hip, core, pelvis, and knee control).
- Activity Modification and Return-to-Activity Programs to safely restore function.
Invasive Treatments
- Where invasive treatments are required, we work closely with trusted sports physicians, interventional radiologists, and orthopaedic surgeons who can provide:
- Knee injections (steroid, viscosupplementation, or biological therapies).
- Arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tears.
- Joint replacement for advanced arthritis.
- Other interventional treatments as clinically appropriate.
The London Podiatry Centre remains fully involved to coordinate ongoing biomechanical care before and after interventions.
Why Choose The London Podiatry Centre for Knee Pain?
- Specialist expertise in biomechanical causes of knee pain.
- Advanced 3D gait analysis integrated into every assessment.
- Proven track record in resolving knee pain by correcting lower limb dysfunction.
- Full access to trusted multidisciplinary partners for surgical or interventional care where needed.
- Over 30 years of experience managing complex lower limb conditions.
- Patients attend from across the UK and internationally after failed prior treatment elsewhere.
If you’ve been living with knee pain, but previous treatment hasn’t worked, the underlying problem may not have been identified yet. At The London Podiatry Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and treating knee pain at its true source — often delivering solutions others have missed.
Contact us today to book your expert consultation.
