Knee pain is an extremely common complaint that can affect anyone at any age. It can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from injury and overuse to medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Understanding the potential causes of knee pain, as well as recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with it, is important in order to seek out appropriate treatment. Fortunately, there are various options available for treating knee pain depending on the cause, including pain relief physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments.
Knee Anatomy
The knee joint is made up of two large bones – the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) – which meet at the kneecap. The knee also contains several ligaments and tendons that help to keep it stabilized as it moves. As such, it’s susceptible to damage from impact or overexertion, as well as gradual wear-and-tear due to age or overuse.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
One of the most common causes of knee pain is injury or trauma to the joint itself. This could be something like a tear in one of the ligaments or tendons around the knee, a fracture or dislocation of one of its bones, or a sprained joint due to sudden impact. These injuries can range in severity from mild aches and pains to debilitating episodes requiring surgery or other interventions.
In addition to acute injuries, chronic conditions such as arthritis can also lead to knee pain. Osteoarthritis is particularly common in older adults and involves gradual deterioration of cartilage around the joints due to wear-and-tear over time; whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in multiple joints throughout the body including those found in knees. Other medical conditions that may cause chronic knee pain include gout, psoriatic arthritis, patellar tendonitis, bursitis, tendinopathy (such as runner’s knee), myositis ossificans (or “bone hardening”), Baker’s cyst (a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee), synovial cysts (or extra fluid pockets inside a joint) , infection/sepsis caused by bacteria/fungi entering through an open wound on skin above/around/underneath kneecap area – furthermore secondary conditions such as obesity where additional pressure is being placed onto knees causing discomfort & limiting mobility can also be attributed here too!
Signs & Symptoms Of Knee Pain
Depending on what’s causing it, there are various signs and symptoms associated with knee pain that can vary from person-to-person; although some may be more common than others:
• Aching: Constant dull ache(s) located around/nearby your kneecap area which worsen upon movement
• Stiffness: Difficulty bending your leg due to stiffness after periods of rest or when trying new activities
• Swelling: Visible swelling around your kneecaps which often feel warmer than usual
• Weakness: Loss of strength surrounding your legs making them feel “weak” when attempting tasks like walking up stairs
• Popping: Feeling slight popping sensations whenever you move your legs inwardly or outwardly
• Bruising: Discoloration around affected areas if you suffer from internal bleeding deep within knees
• Instability: Unstable sensation while attempting physical activities causing you difficulty balancing yourself
• Redness: Reddish coloration around affected area indicating inflammation has occurred within this region
Treatment Options For Knee Pain
Fortunately for those suffering from mild forms of chronic knee pain there are many treatments available depending on what type it is! Chiropractic care focuses heavily on improving spinal alignment while providing massage therapy techniques in order increase blood flow & circulation – thus assisting with healing processes too! Physiotherapy treatments aim at reducing inflammation via modalities such cold laser therapy – this helps reduce nerve pains whilst restoring mobility back into patient’s lives again! Furthermore exercises prescribed by physios specifically tailored towards strengthening weak muscles found around affected areas plus stretching regimens designed solely for increasing flexibility & range motioning abilities play great assets here too! If excess fluid accumulations become noticed then aspiration will likely need done along side anti inflammatory medications being prescribed – together they both act together synergistically helping alleviate tenderness found throughout regions affected greatly! In extreme cases where none these treatments have worked then surgical procedures such ACL reconstructions maybe recommended too but these should only ever be last resorts taken upon after all other possible avenues have been exhausted first.
Can Chiropractors Help with Knee Pain?
Chiropractors can be a great option for those suffering from knee pain. The best Chiropractors are able to offer non-invasive treatments that help to reduce pain and improve mobility. A chiropractor can use manual adjustments, like spinal and joint manipulation, as well as mobilization techniques to help realign the structure of the knee, reducing pain while improving flexibility and range of motion. This can also help reduce inflammation in the area, which is often associated with chronic knee pain.
In addition to manual adjustments and mobilization techniques, chiropractors may suggest exercises focused on strengthening and stabilizing the muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps or hamstrings stretches or leg lifts. The goal of these exercises is to improve circulation in the area, increase strength, and promote healing. They may also provide guidance on posture alignment and gait mechanics that could contribute positively towards alleviating knee pain. Other modalities such as massage therapy may also be used in combination with chiropractic care to help relax muscle tension in the area surrounding the joint. Supplementation with natural anti-inflammatory agents like fish oil or turmeric has been shown to be effective for some people too. Ultimately, chiropractors are able to provide a unique approach that helps achieve long-term relief from knee pain without needing invasive procedures or relying on medications for relief.
Or Should I See a Physiotherapist for my Knee Pain?
Physiotherapists are highly trained professionals that specialize in helping to treat and alleviate knee pain. They can create an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals. A Physiotherapist uses a combination of evidence-based treatments such as manual therapy, exercise and movement, education, bracing and taping, electrotherapy modalities, acupuncture, and more.
Manual therapy includes joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to reduce joint stiffness and pain, improve range of motion and flexibility, enhance muscle strength and coordination, improve posture and biomechanics, increase circulation for tissue healing, decrease muscle tension/spasms for improved function. Exercise is used to improve strength/endurance for better joint stability. Education is paramount in preventing further injury or pain flare-ups; a physiotherapist will help educate the patient on how to move correctly with proper body mechanics or provide tips on how to keep the knee warm while exercising or performing activities. Bracing/taping helps limit painful movements while allowing some movement if needed; it also adds extra stability if needed. Electrotherapy modalities such as TENS units can stimulate the nerves around the knee area which can help reduce pain levels; ultrasound works by increasing blood flow which can decrease inflammation in the area and facilitate healing. Acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial for reducing pain intensity in many studies; a trained physiotherapist will know how best to use this modality for optimal results when treating knee pain.
The best Physiotherapists not only focus on treating acute episodes of pain but they also focus on teaching lifestyle modifications that can have long lasting effects in helping reduce chronic knee issues. Through their detailed assessment techniques they are able to formulate an individualized treatment plan that takes into account all aspects of the injury including relevant medical history, current medications taken by the patient, postural alignment factors that may influence the condition as well as any underlying imbalances or weaknesses that may be causing or exacerbating the knee discomfort. With their experience they are able to provide effective interventions so their patients can return back to an active lifestyle free from any unnecessary limitations or restrictions due to their knee injuries/conditions!
If you need help sorting out what to do with your knee pain concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can schedule a free call with one of our Chiropractors or Physiotherapists who won Readers Choice Awards for Best Chiropractor and also Best Physiotherapist in Oakville.
