Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among active students. Pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap, often appears after running, cycling, squatting or long periods of sitting.
Common causes
- Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee): pain around the kneecap, often after a sudden increase in running or training.
- Patellar tendon pain (jumper’s knee): pain just below the kneecap, common in jumping sports such as volleyball and basketball.
- Pain on the outside of the knee (iliotibial band), often in runners and cyclists.
- A twist or high impact during sport, which can affect the ligaments or meniscus.
What you can do yourself
- Reduce the activity that causes pain for a while, but keep moving within what is comfortable.
- Build up running or training gradually again, rather than in big steps.
- Keep your thigh and hip muscles strong; weak muscles put more load on the knee.
- Check your shoes and bike saddle height if pain started after a change.
How we can help
We first check with you whether our student learning clinic suits your complaint, or whether another healthcare professional is a better fit. If our clinic is right for you, a student assesses your complaint under supervision. Within a maximum of three appointments, you receive:
- An explanation of what causes your pain and how to manage the load on your knee.
- Strength exercises for the thigh and hip, built up step by step.
- A plan to return to running or sport safely.
Need longer treatment? We help you find a regular physiotherapist.
When to see a doctor first
See a GP if your knee is very swollen, locks or gives way, if you cannot put weight on it after an injury, or if it is red, warm and you have a fever.
Read more in our frequently asked questions, or see other injuries and conditions we treat.
Knee pain holding you back? Book an appointment for €5.
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