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knee pain and disability is commonplace, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently cause painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, ailments due to 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 prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain. Generally, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move fluidly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This dysfunction is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, particularly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement, and ensuing knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight. Faulty foot mechanics that create gait deviations such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.
The associated pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent getting up from prolonged sitting. A number of women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are often caused by 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 adopted to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in providing knowledgeable analysis and care of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently happen during sports that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is extended or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can take place creating a sprain. The muscles that give motion to the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little attention to a severe injury needing surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for frictionless motion and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury commonly requires surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and need urgent diagnosis and care. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can treat these types of injuries, but there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to put ice on the hurt 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, expressly the cartilage, will begin to wear out sooner or later. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is often progressive with age. Usual 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 alleviating the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can frequently help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.