Chiropractic Care Can Help Knee Pain
Along with spinal complaints, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Deficient mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics as the result of foot pain as a rule produce painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, problems as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. The patella or knee-cap is generally the area affected because many times the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee producing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This condition is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement often start from lower back dysfunction, expressly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that join to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stressed and tight. Insufficient foot mechanics that create gait abnormalities such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.
The correlative pain from overuse is most generally experienced during activity, in particular stair climbing, running, jumping, and following rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are often due to wearing high heels on a regular basis.
The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot. In specific cases, a brace is adopted to aid with the positioning of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to provide the appropriate diagnosis and management of these ailments.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently occur during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, especially. Sprains occur when tissue is torn by virtue of the knee being pulled or bent beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint in place. The muscles that move the knee can also be torn during injury producing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a minor injury that necessitates little treatment to a severe injury necessitating surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which allow for smooth motion and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury often necessitates surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and necessitate urgent examination and care. Almost always a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can treat these types of injuries, however there are some injuries that may necessitate the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to put ice on the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.
Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will eventually erode. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is frequently progressive with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely beneficial in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can frequently aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.