PAIN
IN THE KNEE
Knee pain limits walking, running and daily activities such as climbing stairs. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, manual therapy reduces joint load and improves its function.
The knee is one of the most heavily loaded joints in the body, as it must bear the weight of the whole body during walking, running and daily activities. Knee pain can develop gradually from overload or suddenly from an injury during sports or an awkward movement.
Why knee pain occurs
Knee pain can have various causes, from overload of soft tissues to degenerative joint changes:
- 🔹 Overload from running, cycling, or prolonged standing
- 🔹 Wear of the meniscus or joint cartilage with age
- 🔹 Instability due to weak thigh muscles around the knee
- 🔹 Faulty movement patterns during walking, running or squats
- 🔹 Excess body weight that further loads the joint
- 🔹 Previous knee injuries that were not fully rehabilitated
How knee pain presents
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain, but often include:
- 🔹 Pain when walking on stairs, especially going downstairs
- 🔹 Knee swelling after physical activity
- 🔹 A feeling of instability or the knee "giving way"
- 🔹 Knee stiffness after prolonged rest or sitting
- 🔹 Grinding or popping when the joint moves
- 🔹 Pain with squatting or prolonged kneeling
How we treat knee pain
The goal of treatment is to offload the joint, improve the stability of surrounding muscles, and correct movement patterns that additionally stress the knee.
1. Assessment of condition
Testing stability and mobility and identifying the structure causing the pain.
2. Manual therapy
Release of tension in surrounding muscles and improvement of joint mechanics.
3. Strengthening and stability
Targeted exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles and provide long-term offloading of the joint.
Knee pain we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Knee pain on stairs
- 🔹 Pain and stiffness when getting up in the morning
- 🔹 Pain when squatting and kneeling
- 🔹 Wear of the knee (osteoarthritis)
- 🔹 Problems after a sports injury
- 🔹 Tension in the thigh and calf muscles with a painful knee
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek immediate medical attention if, after an injury, you experience significant swelling, inability to bear weight on the leg, visible joint deformity, or a feeling that the knee "locks" (movement block). These signs may indicate a more serious ligament or meniscal injury.
For mild, recurring pain without a clear injury it is advisable to seek help before the overload pattern causing the pain becomes entrenched and harder to manage.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about knee pain
Should I run if my knee hurts?
With active pain we recommend pausing running until assessment, as continuing may worsen the underlying issue.
What causes clicking/grinding in the knee?
Mild clicking without pain is often harmless, but when combined with pain it warrants a more thorough assessment.
Is surgery often necessary for knee pain?
No — most cases of overload and mild wear are successfully managed conservatively, without surgery.
Is excess body weight really an important factor?
Yes — each additional kilogram significantly increases the load on the knee joint during walking and running.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the cause — mild overloads often improve within a few visits, while chronic problems require a longer programme.
Can I continue sports during treatment?
We often recommend modified activity instead of complete rest — this is determined based on your condition.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.