San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal problems within the musculoskeletal system. Conditions concerning the knee can be separated into several categories including unsatisfactory of the knee and faulty foot mechanics due to foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint, inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as 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 affected is the patella or knee-cap. Many times the patella does not move evenly or does not move efficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing too much stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem most often begins when there are 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 foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and ensuing knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that attach 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 create pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Faulty foot mechanics that produce gait irregularities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.
Indications of overuse include pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon getting up after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, however such ailments are often due 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 adopted to help with the adjustment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering the correct diagnosis and care of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains take place when tissue is torn due to the knee being stretched or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint in place. Strains to muscles that move the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little treatment to a extreme injury needing surgery. The knee also contains two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that facilitate frictionless motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often require surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and necessitate urgent examination and care. In the majority of cases an experienced chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, however there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint right away and to put ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will begin to wear out over the course of time. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often advances with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.