If you want to understand how important knee function is, just imagine that your knees are locked in one position; now imagine how many different types of movements/activities you are unable to do because of this restricted mobility. Yes, proper functioning of the knees allows us to walk, run, climb, bend, and do so many other things without any limitations or pain. Everything from regular tasks to those extra strenuous activities like hiking and playing sports; your normal ability to function is compromised when you have knee pain. In fact, it can bring your life to a standstill and progress to a very painful condition if not addressed and treated promptly.

There are many different types of treatments to relieve knee pain, each of which is typically recommended as per the patient’s diagnosis. If your knee pain is limited to one or more conditions or injuries that do not require surgery or injections, there is a good chance that the medical professional will suggest non-invasive treatment in the form of chiropractic care. To reach this decision, however, you will need to undergo a thorough examination.

Diagnosing Knee Pain

Your healthcare worker will begin by learning about your medical history; this will include questions about the pain in your knees and any related symptoms. Sometimes, it is possible to conclude what the cause of the pain is just by doing a physical examination. Here, the doctor will check which areas of the knees are sensitive, if there is inflammation, bruising, warmth, etc. They will also analyse the mobility of the knee joints, among other physical evaluations.

If needed, you may be asked to do imaging tests such as an x-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, or ultrasound. These will help determine whether the patient has a degenerative joint disease, fractures, bone problems, soft tissue damage, etc. Additionally, some lab tests may be required such as blood tests or arthrocentesis to check for infections and swelling. 

Upon conducting different tests that your doctor sees fit, he or she will examine the results to accurately diagnose your knee pain and suggest the best course of treatment for the same. 

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Chiropractic can treat various types of knee pain, however, some conditions or problems may require collaborative or other treatments such as injections and surgeries. 

Here is a brief look at the most common causes of pain in the knees.

Torn or Injured Meniscus

Made up of strong and rubber-like cartilage, the meniscus is situated between the thigh bone and shinbone. Its primary purpose is to absorb vibrations or shock, thus alleviating the strain placed on your knees. Prolonged bearing of weight, twisting, and jerking can cause the meniscus to tear or get damaged which, in turn, leads to knee pain. 

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Also known as IT or ITBS band syndrome, this condition is caused by irritation or swelling of the band due to constant friction against the hip and/or knee bones. This causes pain on the outside of the knee and is generally a result of overuse (of the knees).

Arthritis

Individuals who are obese or have encountered stress injuries to the knees are susceptible to arthritis in the knee. Deformities are also a common cause while wearing of the cartilage (known as osteoarthritis) is the most common type of arthritis of the knee. 

Referred Pain

There are several causes of referred pain that can be experienced in the knees. These include problems related to the lower back, hip joints, sacroiliac joints, tendons/muscles around the knee, compressed nerves, and joint dysfunction of the pelvis, hips, or feet. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Knee Pain

If your knee pain can be treated with non-invasive therapies such as chiropractic and physiotherapy, there is a lot to look forward to in terms of successfully getting rid of the pain, and improving knee function. 

Here is a look at some of the benefits you can expect when receiving chiropractic treatment for your knee pain.

Improved Joint Function

Stiffness or lack of mobility of joints in the knees and surrounding areas can cause knee pain while limiting the normal functioning of your lower extremities. To treat this, chiropractors use various techniques and adjustments to improve joint function, thus doing away with the pain and discomfort. Other therapies may also be advised in order to aid in the success of the treatment including massage therapy and physiotherapy. 

Reduced Inflammation

Chiropractors aim to treat the underlying cause(s) of knee pain as opposed to treating the symptoms alone. If any inflammation has been detected during the examination, the medical professional will advise icing or cold compression to reduce the swelling. Additionally, the patient may require chiropractic adjustments to realign joints in the knee and surrounding regions. When your joints are properly aligned, that is when your body is able to heal itself faster and successfully. 

Complete Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after any surgery or injury is a very important part of one’s recovery. Regardless of what has caused pain in your knees, a chiropractor will create the best-suited rehabilitation plan to get rid of it. While chiropractic will be the primary treatment, the patient may also have to undergo physical therapy and/or be asked to follow a guided exercise program that is generally targeted at strengthening muscles for optimal knee support. Stability and endurance are also focused on which help improve the patient’s overall knee function.

At MSK Therapy, we understand the limitations that patients have in their professional and day-to-day lives when dealing with knee pain. Our goal is to alleviate this pain by following a step-by-step process that begins with a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis and ends with a customised treatment plan that takes care of the underlying cause of your knee pain. For a consultation with one of our experienced chiropractors, book an appointment today!