What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. While some knee problems require orthopaedic intervention, most respond well to accurate diagnosis, targeted rehab, and addressing what's driving the load, which is sometimes the foot, ankle, or hip rather than the knee itself.
At Lower Limb Clinic, knee pain starts with our physiotherapy-led injury assessment: ligament and meniscal injuries, patellofemoral (kneecap) pain, ITB syndrome, and knee osteoarthritis. Because our physiotherapist works alongside specialist podiatrists, knee problems that turn out to be driven by foot biomechanics are handed across internally, and you never pay for the same assessment twice.
Common Symptoms
- Pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain going up or down stairs
- Pain after sitting for long periods
- Grinding or clicking in the knee
- Swelling around the knee
- Knee giving way or feeling unstable
Common Causes
- Poor foot biomechanics (overpronation)
- Weak hip and gluteal muscles
- Tight quadriceps or hamstrings
- Leg length discrepancy
- Training errors in runners
- Osteoarthritis
- Previous knee injuries
How We Treat Knee Pain
Your assessment starts with our Chartered Physiotherapist: a full movement and strength assessment, a clear diagnosis, and a staged rehab plan with treatment starting the same visit. Where the assessment shows your feet are driving the problem (overpronation, orthotic history, foot symptoms alongside the knee), our podiatry team takes over the biomechanical side, and custom orthotics can reduce the abnormal stress reaching the knee.
Physiotherapy Assessment & Rehab
Custom Orthotics
Exercise Programme
Footwear Advice
Ready to get knee pain treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Knee pain persists for more than a few days
- You can't fully straighten or bend your knee
- The knee is swollen, red, or warm
- You feel instability or the knee gives way
- Pain is affecting your daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Knee Pain at Lower Limb Clinic.
Further Reading

Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast




