Besides spinal complaints, knee pain and disability is one of the most commonplace problems of the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as impaired foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently cause painful knee problems. Additional causes generally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation related to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is generally the area affected because often the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The condition generally originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, expressly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that join to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can produce pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Insufficient foot mechanics that produce gait abnormalities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.

The correspondent pain from overuse is most generally experienced during activity, in particular stair climbing, running, jumping, and after getting up from prolonged sitting. Some women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, although such conditions are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to render the correct diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often happen during activities that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains happen when tissue is torn as the result of the knee being extended or contorted beyond the capacity of the ligaments that hold the joint together. The muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild injury that needs little attention to a serious injury necessitating surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which allow for frictionless movement and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury frequently requires surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can produce serious pain and swelling and require immediate evaluation and treatment. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these types of injuries, although there are some injuries that do need the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to ice the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will eventually erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is often progressive with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, 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 very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can frequently aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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