Knee Pain
Chiropractic treatment is very effective for many of the problems that cause knee pain and although conditions like osteoarthritis are not curable, the symptoms can be reduced and the progression of the problem can be helped.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain is a big subject, so we have listed the most common causes below.
1. Local Causes:
- Trauma - causing excessive movement (instability)
- Overuse - repetitive movements, associated joint dysfunction
- Inflammatory conditions (inflammatory arthritis) - rare
- Underlying pathology (osteomyelitis/infection, tumors) - very rare
2. Referred pain from:
- Low back facet joints
- Sacroiliac joints
- Hip joints
- Muscles over the hips and surrounding the knee
3. Nerve compression in:
4. Biomechanical dysfunction of surrounding joints:
- Feet e.g. flat feet, pronation
- Hip
- Pelvis
Chiropractic Treatment and Knee Pain
"Help! I have pain in my knees and I have been told there is nothing I can do except take painkillers and rest."
Knee pain is an increasing problem in society and as a result we see more and more patients with knee problems.
Chiropractic treatment is very effective for many of the problems that cause knee pain and although a condition such as osteoarthritis is not curable, the symptoms can be reduced and the progression of the problem can be helped thanks to our unique approach to treatment.
- If knee pain is limiting your day-to-day or sporting activities,
- you have been given painkillers and been told to rest with no long-term improvement, or
- you have been told you have arthritis and there is nothing that can be done
Then chiropractic treatment may well be the answer.
Examination of the Knee Joint
When pain is perceived as coming from the knee, all the anatomical components need to be examined and in addition to the knee joint, the low back, pelvis, hip, ankle and foot need to be examined due to the direct influence they have on the knee, and vice versa.
As your chiropractor, Dr. Trembush will take a comprehensive medical history and perform a thorough physical and bio mechanical examination in order to make an accurate diagnosis - without an accurate diagnosis, the treatment will not be successful.
Our approach of assessing and treating the knee includes the evaluation of the other joints and muscles relating to the knee. This is for several reasons:
- Firstly, pain can be referred from other structures in the low back, pelvis and hip into the knee, in certain conditions.
- Secondly, if other joints in the lower limb are not working correctly they can put increased stress on the knee joint, resulting in injury over time. Dr. Trembush may also treat other areas, to maximize long-term improvement.
Chiropractic Treatment
We modify the treatment to suit each patient and their specific conditions but basic guidelines are listed below.
Stage 1: Reduce joint inflammation and reduce pain.
- Avoidance of aggravating factors
- Ice to reduce inflammation, muscle spasm and pain
- Soft tissue healing: laser, ultrasound
Stage 2: Normalize joint function
- Specific chiropractic manipulation and mobilization techniques to areas of restricted movement in the knee and surrounding joints, to increase movement, improve function and reduce pain
- Deep soft tissue massage, trigger-point therapy
Stage 3: Rehabilitation exercise program.
- When appropriate we introduce exercises to improve strength, endurance and stability. We also work on improving your balance and your sense of joint position. This will help you to return to normal and also prevent new injuries.
