Along with spinal complaints, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient mechanics of the knee, as well as impaired foot mechanics due to foot pain often produce painful knee problems. Additional causes most often include overuse of the knee joint, ailments 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 widespread cause of non-traumatic pain. Normally, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move smoothly or does not move efficiently on the femur during bending of the knee producing too much stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is frequently 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 attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement frequently begin from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect 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 rigid. Mechanical knee pain is also created by gait abnormalities such as pronation.
The associated pain from overuse is most frequently noticeable during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following standing after prolonged sitting. Some women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse ailments for anatomical reasons, although such problems are frequently related 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 used to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your chiropractor, are highly experienced in rendering knowledgeable assessment and treatment of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly happen during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is stretched or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can happen creating a sprain. The muscles that facilitate movement of 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 slight injury that requires little care to a severe injury needing surgery. The knee also is comprised of two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for frictionless motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and frequently necessitate surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can cause intense pain and swelling and need prompt diagnosis and care. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these conditions, although there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to put ice on the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not eliminated at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will begin to wear out over the course of time. As a result the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often advances with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Fortunately, 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 helpful in relieving the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will be happy to recommend 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.