Knee pain: causes, treatment options and the role of axis correction
What can cause knee pain?
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints that can affect anyone , regardless of age. The pain can be caused by acute injury, overuse or chronic conditions such as cartilage degeneration. In younger people, sports-related knee injuries, ligament sprains and cartilage injuries predominate, while in older people, abrasions such as osteoarthritis are the main cause.
Anatomy of the knee in a nutshell
The knee joint is a complex, hinge-like joint located at the junction of the femur, tibia and patella. Stability is provided by ligaments and muscles and friction is reduced by cartilage surfaces during movement. Damage or wear to any of its components can cause knee pain.
Most common causes of knee pain in young and old people
- Sports injuries (e.g. torn ligaments, cartilage tears)
- Overloading, incorrect loading
- Uneven load due to misalignment
- Osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g. joint inflammation, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
When is knee pain “normal” and when should you see a doctor?
Occasional mild pain after sport or hiking may be normal, but if the pain is recurrent, increases with movement, swelling or instability, an orthopedics specialist should be consulted.
Unstable knee – when the knee “slips” out of place
What is unstable knee?
An unstable knee is a condition where the knee joint is unable to maintain stability during movement . The patient often feels that the knee is “slippery” and unstable, especially when stepping or changing direction suddenly, but also when walking on flat ground.
Causes of unstable knee – injury, ligament tear, misalignment
Instability can be caused by previous knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament ruptures or collateral ligament muscle strains. But it is also often caused by a misalignment of the axis, which puts excessive long-term stress on one side of the joint.
Association between unstable knees and knee pain
The lack of stability exposes the knee joint to constant micro-injuries, which over time can lead to knee pain, cartilage degeneration and inflammation.
Dr. Péter Doszkocs
Orthopedic-Traumatologist Chief Physician, Hip and Knee Surgeon, Lower Limb Specialist, Robotic Surgeon
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Knee axis correction: treating the hidden cause
What is shaft misalignment and how does it cause knee pain?
A misalignment means that the leg and the femur do not form a straight axis, i.e. the knee takes an “X” or “O” shape. This biomechanical asymmetry overloads one side of the joint, which can lead to long-term pain and cartilage degeneration.
How does knee axis correction help relieve pain?
The aim of the axis correction is to evenly distribute the load on the knee joint. The intervention involves surgically reshaping the bone to straighten the static line of the foot. This significantly reduces pressure in overloaded areas, thus reducing pain and slowing wear.
How does knee axis correction help relieve pain?
The aim of the axis correction is to evenly distribute the load on the knee joint. The intervention involves surgically reshaping the bone to straighten the static line of the foot. This significantly reduces pressure in overloaded areas, thus reducing pain and slowing wear.
Conservative treatment vs. surgical solution
Physiotherapy, insoles and muscle strengthening can also help with minor axial misalignments . In more severe cases, however, knee surgery with axis correction is the only effective solution.
When is axle correction surgery recommended?
Step-by-step procedure of the surgery
- Preparations and planning:
Before the intervention, detailed imaging studies (e.g. X-ray examination , MRI scan) are used to determine the extent of the axial deviation and the exact direction of the correction. - Access form:
The surgeon will explore the corresponding part of the tibia or femur where the axis correction will be performed. - Partial bone resection (osteotomy):
The bone is cut under X-ray control at a precise, predetermined angle so that the bone fragments can be moved into the new position. So there is no complete resection. - Adjusting the correction:
The bone pieces are adjusted to the ideal axial position to avoid unilateral loading on the knee. - Fixation:
The adjusted bone ends are fixed with a special titanium plate and screws to ensure stable and safe bone healing. - Closure and preparation for rehabilitation:
The wound is closed and then recovery and physiotherapy can begin, which is key to a full recovery of function.
Recovery time, rehabilitation and return to exercise
After surgery, there is usually a 6-8 week recovery period , followed by post- operative physiotherapy to help regain range of motion and muscle strength in the joint. Full recovery can take up to 3-6 months.
What results can the patient expect?
Successful axis correction surgery can significantly reduce pain, improve knee stability and help avoid or delay the need for a knee prosthesis.
Treating knee pain: movement therapy, lifestyle changes, surgical treatment
Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening
The primary treatment for musculoskeletal complaints is physiotherapy. It can be used to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion and relieve joint stress through a targeted series of exercises.
Load reduction and lifestyle changes
Excess weight, poor posture or lack of exercise can also worsen the condition of the knee. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss or wearing the right shoes can make a big difference.
When is surgery unavoidable?
If the knee pain becomes persistent, conservative treatment does not improve, or the degree of axis misalignment is large, knee axis correction surgery may be necessary.
Dr. Péter Doszkocs
Orthopedic-Traumatologist Chief Physician, Hip and Knee Surgeon, Lower Limb Specialist, Robotic Surgeon
Please contact Dr. Péter Doszkocs – the knee specialist
If your knee pain is caused by instability or a misalignment, don’t delay! Dr. Péter Doszkocs Orthopaedic-Traumatologist specialises in the treatment of knee joint problems, with particular emphasis on axis correction surgery.
As a highly skilled and precise specialist, he creates a personalised treatment plan for his patients, whether it is conservative therapy or surgical treatment.
Take the first step towards pain-free movement – make an appointment with Dr. Peter Doszkocs!