Can Good Posture Help Knee Pain?
Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently cause painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, problems as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is deficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee causing unusual stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem usually begins when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight. Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait deviations such as pronation.
Indications of overuse include pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon standing after prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, but such problems are frequently due 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 some cases, a brace is adopted to assist with the alignment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are completely trained to provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly happen during activities that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains occur when tissue is torn as the result of the knee being stretched or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can arise when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that needs little care to a severe injury needing surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for fluid mobility and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury frequently needs surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can create intense pain and swelling and need immediate diagnosis and attention. In most instances an experienced chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these problems, however there are some injuries that do need the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to ice the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.
Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be corrected at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. If tissue and cartilage deteriorate, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is frequently progressive with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that produce excellent results such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in relieving the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can frequently aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
Tags: chiropractor, knee injury, knee pain, posture