Apart from spinal conditions, knee pain is one of the most common ailments of
the musculoskeletal system. There is a large range of problems that can affect
the knee, as the knee joint is one of the most-used joints in the body. Imagine
how often you use your knee joint - walking, running, sitting, bending. No
wonder it can get pain from wear and tear!
The knee is like a hinge between the thigh and the shin bones, with a small
joint on the outside of the leg (the kneecap). These joints are all supported by
cartilage and ligaments to keep it flexible and cushioned during activity.
Problems with the knee may include poor mechanics or overuse of the knee joint,
traumatic injuries possibly from sports or falls, and problems associated with
arthritic changes in the joint. This can result in pain below the knee cap, pain
inside of the knee, referred knee pain, and other swelling, stiffness or
tenderness.
Poor mechanics of the knee is usually the most common cause of non-traumatic
knee pain. Imbalance in other muscle groups that attach to the knee can also
lead to pain and dysfunction. The main treatment for mechanical or overuse
injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore
movement to the knee cap and other joints and correct any spinal misalignment.
Certain sports can put a lot of pressure on the ligaments supporting the knee.
When the knee is stretched or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that
hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur. The ligaments could
also become strained, leading to swelling. Traumatic knee injuries can cause
severe pain and swelling and require immediate attention.
Arthritis is also a common cause of knee pain. This usually presents in the form
of degeneration of knee cartilage, exposing the bare bone of the knee joint.
Pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion are common in arthritic knees.
Swelling can also occur in the area, which is usually due to fluid on the knee.
The knee joint holds a lot of fluid in a capsule behind the thigh. If the joint
is damaged, this fluid can accumulate around the joint, resulting in swelling.
Diagnosis of knee injuries requires a full history of problems, and physical
examination. As common knee injury symptoms can result from a number of causes,
it is important to correctly identify the origin of acute knee pain. The
Chiropractors at Back to Basics Chiropractic are highly trained to provide the
proper diagnosis and management of knee injuries.
Knee pain can be treated effectively through conservative chiropractic care.
Soft tissue massage and adjustments can reduce swelling and inflammation in the
area, and adjustments can restore the range of motion following knee cartilage
injuries.
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