San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread ailments of the musculoskeletal system. dysfunction of the knee can be divided into several categories including deficient of the knee and faulty foot mechanics as the result of 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: The most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee generating abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This problem is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that connect to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement frequently originate from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. 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 stressed and taut. Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait abnormalities such as pronation.
The associated pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and after getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, however such conditions 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 certain cases, a brace is adopted to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to administer knowledgeable assessment and treatment of these problems.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains take place when tissue is torn as the result of the knee being stretched or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can arise when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that necessitates little care to a serious injury requiring surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which facilitate fluid motion and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury commonly necessitates surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can create intense pain and swelling and require immediate diagnosis and care. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these problems, although there are some injuries that may necessitate the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to put ice on the hurt 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. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will eventually erode. If tissue and cartilage erode, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, commonly 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 beneficial in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can frequently help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.