Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that hinders mobility and affects one’s quality of life. While various factors contribute to knee pain, one often overlooked cause is myofascial trigger points. These hyperirritable spots within the muscles can refer pain to distant areas, including the knee joint. In this article, we will explore the relationship between myofascial trigger points and knee pain, shedding light on how these points can be a contributing factor and discussing effective treatment options.

Understanding Myofascial Trigger Points:

Myofascial trigger points are small, hypersensitive knots within a taut band of muscle fibers. They can be caused by factors such as muscle overuse, trauma, poor posture, or chronic stress. When these trigger points are activated, they can cause localized pain and referred pain in other areas of the body, known as “referred pain patterns.” These referred pain patterns can extend to the knee, leading to discomfort and functional limitations.

The Connection to Knee Pain:

Several muscles in the body have referral patterns that include the knee joint. When trigger points are present in these muscles, they can cause pain and dysfunction in the knee. Some common trigger points associated with knee pain include:

1. Quadriceps Muscles: Trigger points in the quadriceps muscles, specifically the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, can refer pain to the front and sides of the knee. This can result in conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) or iliotibial band syndrome.
2. Hamstring Muscles: Trigger points in the hamstring muscles can refer pain to the back of the knee. This can contribute to conditions like biceps femoris tendinopathy or hamstring strain.
3. Gluteus Medius and Minimus: Trigger points in the gluteal muscles can refer pain down the side of the leg, affecting the knee joint. This can contribute to conditions such as patellar tendinitis or lateral knee pain.

Treating Myofascial Trigger Points:

The good news is that myofascial trigger points can be effectively treated to alleviate knee pain.  When evaluating a person with knee pain, a complete muscular exam needs to be done.  A biomechanical exam is also needed to determine how the trigger points started in the first place.  This is how we have had great success in helping people with knee pain.  If you’d like to see if we can help you, just click the get started button below.