September 1, 2009
Posture Corrections for Knee Pain Relief
San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient mechanics of the knee, as well as faulty foot mechanics due to foot pain as a rule cause painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, ailments due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevalent cause of non-traumatic pain is poor mechanics of the knee joint and the associated 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 causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct 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 attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement commonly start from lower back problems, expressly in the sacroiliac joint. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Insufficient foot mechanics that create gait irregularities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.
The correspondent pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following rising after prolonged sitting. Some women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse ailments for anatomical reasons, although such problems are many times caused by 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 help with the positioning of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are experts in supplying knowledgeable analysis and management of these problems.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during sports that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. When the knee is extended or contorted beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur causing a sprain. Strains to muscles that move the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a mild injury that necessitates little care to a severe injury necessitating surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which allow for fluid movement and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury frequently needs surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and need immediate examination and attention. Almost always a competent chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can treat these problems, but there are some injuries that may necessitate the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is vital 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. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will start to erode. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, commonly progresses with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that produce excellent results such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can often aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
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