San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Conditions concerning the knee can be separated into several groups including poor mechanics of the knee and reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain, frequent overuse of the knee joint, dysfunction due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is poor mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. Generally, the part of the knee affected is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move smoothly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee producing too much stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The dysfunction most often starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back ailments, particularly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that attach 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 stretched and tight. Faulty foot mechanics that create gait deviations such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.
Indications of overuse include pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse ailments for anatomical reasons, however such problems are often caused by 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 assist with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to provide the correct diagnosis and treatment of these ailments.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently happen during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is stretched or contorted beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur creating a sprain. Strains to muscles that move the knee can arise when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a minor injury that necessitates little attention to a serious injury requiring surgery. Moreover the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which allow for frictionless mobility 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 intense pain and swelling and need immediate diagnosis and attention. Almost always an experienced chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can treat these problems, although there are some injuries that require the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to ice the damaged 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, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. If tissue and cartilage erode, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often progresses with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Fortunately, 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 helpful in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can often help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.