Recreation and Fun Sports

Knee pain and disability is prevalent, second only to spinal complaints within the musculoskeletal system. dysfunction of the knee can be divided into several classes including unsatisfactory of the knee and faulty foot mechanics that compensate for foot pain, frequent 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: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is deficient mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because often the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing unusual stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This dysfunction is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, expressly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that join 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 create pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Insufficient foot mechanics that produce gait deviations such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.

The correspondent pain from overuse is most generally experienced during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following standing after prolonged sitting. A number of women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, although such conditions are often related to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In specific cases, a brace is adopted to assist with the positioning of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering knowledgeable assessment and care of these ailments.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during activities that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is stretched or twisted beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can happen creating a sprain. Strains to muscles that move the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild injury that needs little care to a extreme injury necessitating surgery. The knee also is comprised of two special “cartilages” - the menisci - between the tibia and the femur that allow smooth 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 produce serious pain and swelling and need prompt diagnosis and treatment. In most instances a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these types of injuries, however there are some injuries that require the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to ice the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.

If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to wear out sooner or later. If tissue and cartilage wear away, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is often progressive with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Fortunately, 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 beneficial in alleviating the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers 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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