Knee pain and disability is prevalent, second only to spinal problems within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as faulty foot mechanics as compensation for foot pain as a rule produce painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, ailments as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Poor 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. The patella or knee-cap is generally the area affected because many times the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee generating undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The condition most often originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back problems, 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. Faulty foot mechanics that produce gait irregularities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.
The associated pain from overuse is most frequently felt during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent standing after prolonged sitting. Some women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse ailments for anatomical reasons, but such ailments are many times 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 some cases, a brace is used to assist with the adjustment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors are fully trained to administer knowledgeable assessment and care of these ailments.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly take place during sports that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains happen when tissue is torn due to the knee being pulled or twisted beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together. The muscles that move the knee can also be torn during injury creating a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a minor injury that needs little attention to a severe injury requiring surgery. Moreover the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for frictionless movement and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury frequently necessitates surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and necessitate prompt evaluation and attention. Almost always an experienced chiropractor can manage these types of injuries, however there are some injuries that may necessitate the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to use ice on the damaged area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will begin to wear out eventually. 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, is frequently 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 very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in alleviating the pain. Your chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can usually help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
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