1. Causes
Knee and leg pain can arise from overuse, injury, joint degeneration, or poor biomechanics. These pains often affect athletes, the elderly, or individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. In TCM, this pain is linked to obstruction in the meridians of the lower limbs, often due to wind-cold-damp invasion or deficiency of liver and kidney energy that nourishes the tendons and bones.
2. Underlying Factors
– Osteoarthritis or degeneration of the knee joint
– Ligament or meniscal injury (ACL, MCL, meniscus tear)
– Patellofemoral syndrome or runner’s knee
– IT band tightness or overuse injury
– Muscle imbalance in the thigh or calf
– Poor foot alignment affecting gait and loading
– Cold and damp environments aggravating joint stiffness
3. Symptoms
– Aching, sharp, or throbbing pain in the knee or along the leg
– Swelling or warmth in the knee joint
– Stiffness when standing, walking, or climbing stairs
– Clicking, grinding, or locking sensation in the knee
– Leg weakness, instability, or cramping
– Limited range of motion or joint instability
4. Treatment Options
– Physiotherapy: Strengthens quadriceps, hamstrings, and corrects movement mechanics
– Acupuncture: Reduces inflammation and improves circulation in the knee and leg meridians
– Manual therapy: Includes kneecap mobilization, soft tissue release, and muscle balancing
– Cupping and scraping: Applied to thigh, calf, and around the knee to relieve tight fascia
5. At-Home Tips
– Use ice for swelling or heat for stiffness, depending on symptom type
– Avoid deep squatting or kneeling if experiencing acute pain
– Elevate the leg and perform gentle range-of-motion exercises
– Strengthen lower limb muscles with low-impact exercises (e.g., cycling, swimming)
– Wear supportive footwear to reduce stress on the knees
– Recommended products: knee braces, foam rollers, knee massager
