Knee pain and disability is commonplace, second only to spinal complaints within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as faulty foot mechanics as compensation for foot pain as a rule produce painful knee conditions. Additional causes most often include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: Poor mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. Normally, the part of the knee implicated is the patella or knee-cap. Frequently the patella does not move evenly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The dysfunction generally originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that connect to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement frequently start from lower back problems, expressly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that attach to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can produce pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Insufficient foot mechanics that cause gait deviations such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.

The correlative pain from overuse is most generally experienced during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent standing after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, however such ailments 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 required to assist with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your Camarillo chiropractor, are experts in supplying the proper diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly happen during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. When the knee is stretched or twisted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur producing a sprain. The muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can also be torn during injury creating a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild 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 frictionless motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can produce serious pain and swelling and require prompt evaluation and treatment. Almost always an experienced chiropractor, such as your Camarillo Chiropractor, can treat these types of injuries, but there are some injuries that may necessitate the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to ice 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 eliminated at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will begin to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often advances with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Fortunately, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in relieving the pain. Your Camarillo chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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