Chiropractic Care and Knee Problems

What causes knee problems?  

The knee is a complex joint where the upper leg bone (femur) and the lower leg bone (tibia) meet.  The kneecap protects the joint.  Repeated strain on the joint, an injury, poor posture, or a misaligned joint in the foot, ankle , or spine can damage the tissue in the knee. This leads to swelling, stiffness, pain, and sometimes locking or buckling.

A healthy knee.  Ligaments connect the bones and help brace the joint by limiting forward and sideways motion and rotation.  Muscles, connected to the bones by tendons, provide strength for movement.

An injured knee. Long-term wear, overuse, or a sudden injury such as twisting your knee, can cause the muscles or tendons to overstretch (strain) or the ligaments to tear (sprain). The bones my also twist, causing a misaligned joint.

What can chiropractic do to help?

 Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health - focusing not only on your knee, but also on your lifestyle.  This total approach to wellness help determine the best treatment for your problem.  A history of your symptoms, prior injuries, health, lifestyle and activities will help your chiropractor find the cause of your knee problems. Physical, orthopedic, and neurological tests can help reveal the condition of your knee.  Your chiropractor may also observe your gait.  X-rays may reveal misaligned joints, fractures, and other causes of knee problems.

Treatment of knee problems.

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your knee problem.  Your chiropractor may manipulate your knee, foot, hip, or spine to relieve pressure and restore proper alignment.  These adjustments can help improve range of motion, reduce pain, and relieve stiffness in your knee.  Your chiropractor may also suggest electrical stimulation, ice or heat, ultrasound, exercises, taping, or bracing to reduce pain and swelling.