Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as faulty foot mechanics as the result of foot pain frequently create painful knee conditions. Additional causes generally include overuse of the knee joint, ailments related to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevalent cause of non-traumatic pain is poor mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is normally the area affected because many times the patella 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 frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The condition generally starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that connect to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement often begin from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Pain and dysfunction can also be generated by imbalances in the muscle groups that connect to the knee. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Faulty foot mechanics that create gait irregularities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.

The correspondent pain from overuse is most generally noticeable during activity, in particular stair climbing, running, jumping, and after standing after prolonged sitting. Some women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems 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 some cases, a brace is adopted to help with the adjustment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are experts in supplying the proper diagnosis and treatment of these problems.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly take place during activities that involve running and jumping, especially. When the knee is extended or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can take place producing a sprain. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a mild injury that requires little attention to a serious injury requiring surgery. The knee also is comprised of two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that allow fluid motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often necessitate surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can produce serious pain and swelling and require urgent diagnosis and care. Almost always a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these conditions, although there are some injuries that require the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to put ice on the damaged 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 corrected at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will eventually erode. In that event 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, commonly advances with age. Common 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 valuable in alleviating the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can usually assist themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.