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Musculoskeletal · Conditions

Knee Pain Treatment in Exeter – Relief From Injury, Instability and Discomfort

Whether your knee hurts on the stairs, when walking or during sport, we’ll find out what is going on and build a plan around your goals.

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Barefoot physiotherapist in a sage polo assessing a patient’s bent knee on the treatment couch

Condition overview

Is Knee Pain Stopping You in Your Tracks?

If knee pain is making it hard to walk, climb stairs, exercise or even sleep, you’re not alone. Here at Barefoot we’re genuinely passionate about treating knees. Knee pain can bring a frustrating mix of pain, swelling and instability, painful clicking, the knee giving way, or sharp pain that keeps you up at night. Whatever the cause, we can help.

You might be asking yourself:

  • Why does my knee hurt every time I walk or use stairs?
  • Why is my knee swollen, and why does it click when I move?
  • Is my knee pain a sign of something serious like arthritis or a ligament injury?
  • Will I need surgery, or can this heal with physiotherapy?

Using our extensive knowledge of the lower limb, we identify the root of the problem through a detailed assessment, pinpointing any muscle imbalances, weaknesses or instability, and build an individualised plan to get you proper, lasting pain relief and knee function.

Acute Knee Injuries We Treat

Knee pain often comes on suddenly, a twist during sport, a pop or crack, or swelling that builds over time. We treat a wide range of acute injuries, including:

  • ACL ruptureSudden pain, swelling and instability after a sharp twist or blow.
  • MCL injuryPain and tenderness along the inside of the knee, often after a sporting injury.
  • Meniscal tearsPain, swelling and a catching or locking sensation, especially when twisting or squatting.
  • Patellar tendinopathyPain at the front of the knee, often worse with running or jumping.
  • BursitisPain and swelling, usually over the kneecap.
  • Patellofemoral pain syndromePain under or around the kneecap.

Chronic Knee Conditions We Help Manage

When knee pain lingers, every step can feel like a challenge. We help manage long-standing conditions including:

  • OsteoarthritisPain, stiffness and a grinding or catching sensation that worsens over time.
  • Degenerative meniscal tearsOngoing pain and swelling, with occasional locking or giving way.
  • Baker’s cystSwelling at the back of the knee causing tightness and discomfort.
  • Pre- and post-operative rehabilitationPreparing you for, or helping you recover from, knee surgery with a focus on restoring strength and movement.

Sports-Related Knee Injuries

If you’re a runner, cyclist, climber or simply love staying active, knee injuries are especially frustrating. We specialise in:

  • Iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndromeSharp pain on the outside of the knee during running or cycling.
  • Hamstring and patellar tendinopathyPain aggravated by running and high-speed activity.
  • Osgood-Schlatter diseaseA common cause of knee pain in active adolescents during growth spurts.

We can also offer gait analysis and bike-fit to address the movement patterns that may be contributing to your injury.

Why Barefoot

Why Choose Barefoot for Your Knee Pain?

We don’t just treat the painful knee, we address the underlying cause so you can get back to what you love. Our HCPC-registered physiotherapists use a range of evidence-based techniques, and because we’re a multidisciplinary team we can combine physio with strength and conditioning, sports massage, shockwave therapy, taping, gait analysis and bike-fit, all under one roof in Exeter and Bovey Tracey. If imaging or a specialist opinion is needed, we’ll guide you to the right route.

How we can help

Our Comprehensive Approach Includes

  1. Accurate Diagnosis

    A thorough assessment to identify the exact cause.

  2. Hands-On Manual Therapy

    To reduce pain and restore knee movement and function.

  3. Tailored Exercise Therapy

    To strengthen the knee, improve flexibility and prevent re-injury.

  4. Movement Retraining

    So you move in ways that protect and support the joint.

  5. Supporting Therapies

    Taping, shockwave and more where they’ll speed your recovery.

Conditions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain

Can I still run with knee pain?

Often yes, with the right modifications. We’ll assess what’s driving the pain and guide you on safe loading rather than simply telling you to stop.

Do I need knee surgery?

Many knee problems improve well with physiotherapy and never need surgery. Where surgery may be appropriate, we’ll be honest and help you access the right opinion.

Why does my knee click or crack?

Clicking without pain is usually harmless. Clicking combined with pain, swelling or locking is worth assessing, as it can point to a cartilage or kneecap-tracking issue.

Is knee pain a sign of arthritis?

It can be, but plenty of knee pain is due to tendon, muscle or ligament problems instead. An assessment will clarify the cause.

When should I see a physiotherapist for knee pain?

If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or involves swelling, instability or locking, an early assessment will speed your recovery.

Get the Right Help for Your Knee Pain

Whether your knee pain is brand new or something you’ve lived with for years, we’re here to help you regain mobility and confidence.

  • Two clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey
  • HCPC-registered physiotherapists
  • No higher fee for your first assessment
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The Barefoot Physio team at the Exeter clinic