Knee pain is a common concern and can be caused by a number of factors.
Knee pain affects many people of all ages. In fact, it is the second most common reason for visits to our practice. If you are suffering from knee pain as a result of an injury or disease, you’ll know that it can affect your day-to-day life in a number of ways. Fortunately, there are a range of treatments that can help to reduce inflammation, improve flexibility and properly align the joints.
What causes it?
Knee pain can be caused by a number of factors, including injuries, disease and dysfunction. Some of the most common knee injuries include ACL injuries, which occur when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears; fractures of the knee bone as a result of direct trauma; torn meniscus; knee bursitis; and patella tendinitis, which occurs as a result of inflammation of the tendons.
Diseases that often cause knee pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee begins to deteriorate with age, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints. Gout is also a type of arthritis and occurs as a result of uric acid build-up in the joints.
Mechanical dysfunction is also a major contributor to knee pain. These include strains and muscle disorders, as well as hip or foot pain that affects one’s gait and adds more stress to the knee joints.
What factors increase the risk of knee pain?
When it comes to knee problems, there are a number of risk factors. Being overweight can add stress to your knee joints and cause some discomfort, as well as increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis as you age. A lack of flexibility can also increase your risk of knee injuries, while previous injuries and some sports put you at greater risk of knee pain and further injury.
How can we help?
If you are suffering from knee pain, we recommend that you come in for an assessment. During your initial assessment, your chiropractor will assess the way that you walk and determine how much stress is being placed on your knees as a result of your particular gait. Your back and hips will also be assessed at this time as knee pain is often caused by issues in these areas of the body.
Once your chiropractor has determined the cause of your pain, he will design a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs. Your particular treatment will depend on a number of factors, but will typically include proper stretching techniques that you can do at home; advice on choosing the right footwear; and appropriate exercises designed to strengthen your knees.
How do chiropractic adjustments work?
Chiropractic adjustments of the knees, spine and hips help to mobilise the joints and correct their alignment. When the joints are properly aligned, there is less stress on them. Inflammation also tends to decrease and as such, discomfort and pain are reduced.
If you are suffering from knee pain and would like to find out more about our treatment plans, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of chiropractors is fully qualified and experienced, and our practice is equipped with the latest technology, which allows us to provide a range of effective treatments.
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