Posture Corrections for Knee Pain Ease
Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. dysfunction of the knee can be divided into several categories including deficient of the knee and impaired 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: Poor mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because many times the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing undue 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 related to knee movement frequently originate from lower back problems, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stressed and rigid. Mechanical knee pain is also produced by gait deviations such as pronation.
The correlative pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are frequently related to 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 specific cases, a brace is required to help with the positioning of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to render the correct diagnosis and management of these problems.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly occur during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains happen when tissue is torn by virtue of the knee being stretched or bent beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint in place. The muscles that give motion to the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a slight injury that requires little care to a serious injury requiring surgery. The knee also is comprised of two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for fluid mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and frequently require surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and require urgent evaluation and attention. In most instances a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these conditions, but there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to use ice on the damaged 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 eliminated at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. As a result the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual 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, people can frequently aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
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