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Understanding Pes Anserine Pain: Causes, Treatment, and 5 Exercises to Help Heal

Understanding Pes Anserine Pain: Causes, Treatment, and 5 Exercises to Help Heal

Introduction

Pes anserine pain, which affects the inner part of the knee, can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily routine. If you’ve been experiencing pain just below the knee joint or discomfort that intensifies with activities like climbing stairs or running, you might be dealing with this common condition. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just going about your daily tasks, pes anserine pain can significantly impact your quality of life.

At Wellness Lane in Farmers Branch, TX, we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee pain, including pes anserine bursitis and tendonitis. If you live in North Dallas, Addison, or the surrounding suburbs, we’re here to help you recover with the right treatments and exercises. In this article, we’ll explain how pes anserine pain develops, how we treat it, and share five effective exercises to help you heal and prevent future flare-ups.


What is Pes Anserine Pain?

Pes anserine pain occurs when the tendons of three muscles—the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus—become irritated where they attach to the shinbone (tibia). These tendons form a “goose foot” shape, which is how the condition got its name (“pes anserine” means “goose’s foot” in Latin). This condition is often caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, or improper movement patterns, and it’s most commonly seen in athletes who engage in activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction, such as soccer, running, and basketball.


Symptoms of Pes Anserine Pain:

  • Pain on the inner knee: The pain is usually felt just below the knee joint and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
  • Pain with activity: Activities like climbing stairs, running, or squatting may intensify the pain.
  • Swelling and tenderness: You may notice swelling around the knee, and the area may feel warm to the touch.
  • Increased pain after sitting: Long periods of sitting, especially getting up after sitting, may worsen the discomfort.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it could be an indication of pes anserine pain, and it’s a good idea to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional.


How We Treat Pes Anserine Pain at Wellness Lane

At Wellness Lane, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating pes anserine pain. Our goal is to alleviate your symptoms, correct the underlying causes, and help you recover fully with treatments that promote healing and prevent further injury. Here’s how we approach treatment:

  1. Chiropractic Care: We begin by assessing your spine and pelvis for misalignments that could be affecting the muscles around your knee. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper alignment, reducing stress on the knee and improving overall movement.

  2. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy, help to relieve muscle tightness and improve blood flow to the affected area. This helps reduce inflammation and speeds up recovery.

  3. Laser Therapy: Class IV laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps accelerate tissue healing by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. Laser therapy helps to target the injured area directly, providing pain relief and reducing swelling.

  4. Targeted Exercises: A personalized exercise program is key to strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and correcting any muscle imbalances. These exercises are designed to promote long-term recovery and prevent future flare-ups.


5 Exercises to Help Heal Pes Anserine Pain

These five exercises are designed to reduce tension in the knee, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint. Always check with your chiropractor before beginning a new exercise routine to ensure you’re performing them safely and correctly.

1. Hamstring Stretch

Tight hamstrings can contribute to pes anserine pain, so stretching them out can help alleviate discomfort.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the floor with one leg extended straight and the other leg bent.
  • Reach toward your toes with both hands, keeping your back straight.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds, then repeat on the other leg.

2. Quadriceps Stretch

Stretching the quadriceps helps to reduce pressure on the inner knee and prevent muscle tightness.

How to do it:

  • Stand with one hand on a wall or chair for balance.
  • Grab your ankle and gently pull it toward your buttocks.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.

3. Standing Calf Stretch

Tight calves can place unnecessary strain on the knee joint. This stretch helps lengthen the calves, providing relief to the knee.

How to do it:

  • Stand facing a wall with one foot forward and the other foot back.
  • Bend your front knee while keeping your back leg straight and heel on the floor.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

4. Hip Flexor Stretch

The hip flexors are key muscles that impact knee health. Stretching them can help alleviate knee pain and improve overall lower-body mobility.

How to do it:

  • Step into a lunge position with one knee on the floor.
  • Gently push your hips forward to feel a stretch in the front of your hip.
  • Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

5. Step-Ups

Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, especially the quadriceps and glutes, is essential for recovery. This exercise helps stabilize the knee joint.

How to do it:

  • Stand in front of a step or bench.
  • Step up with one foot, bringing the other foot to meet it.
  • Slowly step back down with both feet, one at a time.
  • Repeat for 10-15 reps per leg.

Why You Should See a Chiropractor for Pes Anserine Pain

While exercises and stretches are important for recovery, seeing a chiropractor ensures a comprehensive approach to healing. At Wellness Lane, we combine chiropractic care, manual therapy, laser therapy, and targeted exercises to not only relieve your pain but also address any underlying biomechanical issues. By focusing on the root causes of your condition, we help you recover faster and prevent future injuries.


Conclusion

Pes anserine pain can significantly impact your ability to move freely and engage in daily activities. However, with the right treatment plan and consistent rehabilitation, it’s possible to overcome the pain and restore full function. At Wellness Lane, we offer a personalized, hands-on approach to treating knee pain, including chiropractic care, manual therapy, laser therapy, and targeted exercises to ensure the best outcomes for our patients in Farmers Branch, Addison, and North Dallas.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward pain relief and recovery.

November 12, 2024
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