Knee pain is a common condition that can be severely disabling and usually affects most people over 55 years old, although it is common amongst all age groups.
The most common causes are: dislocation, ligament sprains, muscles tears, arthritis, patella (knee cap) tracking dysfunction (PTD) and misalignment of the knee joint.
If there has been no cause of damage to the knee, many wonder what they have done to cause their knee pain? The answer usually is nothing!
Knee joints can become misaligned and cause the supporting muscles to overwork. When this occurs, the muscles become tired, overworked and tighten up, causing pain and instability. This is a very common cause of knee pain that is seen in clinic and many patients have benefited from having tests of their hips, knees and ankles, which help determine the cause of the problem and which treatment is appropriate.
PTD (patella tracking disorder) is caused when the knee cap does not move along a groove (under the knee cap) correctly, due to the muscles not working in a balanced fashion. Strengthening exercises will help re-balance the muscles around the knee, but should be given after the knee joint has had a chiropractic re-alignment and the joints adjusted, otherwise the tight muscles may become even tighter.
Assessment may involve a postural and gait (how you walk) analysis to determine the cause of the problem whether it’s due to the knee, hip, foot or low back. The best option, if you are unsure, is to make an appointment for a checkup.
Our Chiropractor has managed serious sports injury sprains/strains, has good results with extremity conditions and if another opinion or medical specialist is called for, will refer and if requested co-manage with them to ensure you have optimal body function. Dr Mark was the team chiropractor for the 2009 AFL premiers.
Should you require assistance for your knee problem, our chiropractors are able to discuss and treat your condition with chiropractic care of the associated musclo-skeletal.
Be cautious with prolonged use of anti-inflammatories - check with your medical doctor. Did you know that excess ongoing use of anti-inflammatories is a common reason for liver and kidney problems.