Learn The Anatomy Of Knee Pain and 3 Ways To Fight Back!

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Common causes of knee pain

It seems to be fairly common that when someone has knee pain, they feel like that is the diagnosis. “Ok doc, I’ve got knee pain! Now what?” Looking at pain from perspective of symptom as opposed to cause, is the first error we run into. Pain is only the alarm that sounds, it isn’t the fire. So what is?

Common Causes Of Knee Pain

  • Patellar Tendonitis
  • MCL Sprain/Strain
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Weight Gain
  • Foot/Ankle Issues
  • Hip Dysfunction
  • Gout
  • Trauma/Injury

So Where Is The Problem?

Below is a series of photos that show the anatomy of the interior and exterior views of the knee.

It’s not possible to go through every knee issue in one article but a few of the most common are patellar tracking issues, medial line strains, and arthritis of multiple kinds. They’re all treatable in our office through an approach of: anti-inflammatory pain relief, alignment, and stabilizing rehabilitation.

Patellar Tendinitis

When it comes to a condition like Patellar Tendinitis, you would likely feel pain below or around the knee cap (Patella). What we see most often is that the knee cap isn’t “tracking” or sitting in the position it needs to in order to move well. This kind of issue is also caused by overuse. Patellar issues are very common in someone doing excessive lifting, jumping, squatting, and athletic movement. Are you a UPS driver wearing a knee brace? Or a young athlete practicing a lot for basketball? These kinds of activities flare up in the patellar tendon, which holds the knee cap in place.

Patellar Tendonitis

Medial Collateral Ligament/MCL Sprain or Strain

The MCL is on the inside of the knee. When pain is felt in this area of the knee, it was likely caused by a fall or a blow to the outside of the knee. The MCL connects the thigh bone or femur to the tibia (shinbone). Ultimately, when an injury like this occurs it is all about determining severity. Be sure to have it evaluated sooner rather than later, so that it isn’t injured further. There are many non-surgical options available within our office to heal a mild-severe sprain or strain.

Medial Collateral Ligament: MCL sprain/strain

 

Arthritis: Inflammatory and Osteo

Oh, the infamous arthritis. There are two significant types of arthritis: inflammatory auto-immune based and osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is part a of process in the body where the immune system is being attacked by the body and causing chronic inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the mechanical wear and tear we will all inevitably face. The part of the knee you are typically seeing impacted by osteoarthritis, is a thinning of the knee cap and wearing of the cartilage inside the knee. These buffers are primary to keep the knee in fluid movement and pain-free. The goal we have for everyone isn’t to prevent arthritis, because you can’t, but to prevent unnecessary and uneven deterioration.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

 

So How Do You Fight Back?

In truth, the current medical system focuses on symptom treatment. As a population, we just aren’t in the mindset to prevent. For good reason, considering the average lifespan has only just begun to allow us to consider the impacts of a long active life. In our office, we strive to help our patients find conservative answers to problems that help them avoid drugs and surgery. We believe symptoms can point us to the cause, but aren’t the most important part of treatment. We want to help you feel better longer by healing the real issue causing the symptoms.

1. Chiropractic Care

Most people don’t realize the hip, knee, and ankle can be adjusted. All of which play a major factor in the kinetic movement of each other. Ensuring the hips are level, the knees are tracking properly, and the foot/ankle is moving the way it was meant to is imperative. Removing the hindrances in movement allow the anti-inflammatory and stabilizing strategies we use, to be successful.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Technology

We use the latest researched and tested technology to achieve the best results for our patients.

Infrared Laser Therapy

Pain relief, reduced inflammation, and increased healing speeds are the name of the game with laser therapy. It is painless, brief, and impactful at getting the knee back in action with more mobility.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

The body is made up of electrical charge. The cell uses this charge to detoxify and heal. PMX therapy charges the cells to promote healing and the development of healthy cells, which flush out inflammation.

There are so many things we have available to us in the office that assist these therapies to get amazing results. Massage, electrical stimulation, and a full rehabilitation suite to assist in stability.

3. Foundation

We also offer custom and stock orthotics in office that are specific to the patient using our Foot Leveler weight bearing scans. Pronation in the arches and other movement issues in the foot, create instability in the knees. We advise orthotics as a foundational support to our knee protocols.

 

These three pieces are a few options to start with. However, we have quite a bit more available within our office.

Rehabilitation

Therabands, Crossover Symmetry, Vibe Plate…Oh MY! With a full rehabilitation suite we can focus on mobilit, strength, and stabilizing the knees so that what you accomplish in pain relief and anti-inflammatory efforts your can maintain for years to come.

Kinesiology Taping (K-tape)

This special support tape can be used to promote fluid movement in the knee, staunch swelling, or inhibit movement to allow further healing. It is a part of the early stages of our knee protocol to allow further promote quick healing.

Cryotherapy

Better than an ice pack by a mile. This sub-zero cold therapy is a must when inflammation is high. It feels amazing for arthritis swelling, tendinitis, and much more.

Rapid Release Massage

Did you know your quad, hamstring, and calf muscles are all responsible for movement in the knee? Did you know tightness in one of these muscles can pull the tendons and change the kinetic chain? We do. That’s why loosening these muscles is something we include in treatment. And it feels good to boot.

Nutrition and Supplementation

There’s no pretending that all of the bodies processes don’t work together. Hydration, your diet, and the vitamins in your system all play a part in healing. That’s how the body creates the fluid, energy, and chemical content it needs. If knees are the focus we always recommend collagen for joint support. However if you are dealing with chronic inflammatory systems we have a range of testing available to us to see where your deficits are and provide supplemental recommendations that can change your life. We source from trusted providers that are american made and non-synthetic so that absorption has the highest potential.

Whatever you choose to do whether it is surgery or conservative care, we are here to support you through that process!

Examination, X-rays & Report of Findings for only $49
(Original Value of $250)

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