Knee Pain

What can cause knee pain?

The knee joint is sturdy but the ligaments and tendons can cause instability if they become damaged. This type of pain can be caused from several different sources, including:

• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that occurs in the knee. It is caused by the gradual degradation of the cartilage in the joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness or locking in the joints.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome – An inflammation of a tendon that is most often caused by stress or long-term overuse. Symptoms include aches or burning sensations at the side of the knee, and can sometimes cause pain that radiates up the side of the thigh.
• Ligament, Meniscus, or Tendon Injuries – The structure around the knee can be prone to injury. This can occur from prolonged use, sudden impact, or twisting. It can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain.
• Referred Pain - Referred pain is the result of pain that initially comes from the low back facet joints, sacroiliac joints, hip joints causing stress on the knee structure.

When should I get seek treatment?

Knee pain can be mild which can be treated conservatively with a brace and anti-inflammatories. However, if the knee pain becomes too severe and limits your day-to-day activities you should seek professional care. Dr. Weddle can address any body imbalances that might be an indirect source of the knee pain. Once the diagnosis is complete there are several different treatment options available for pain relief that suits your specific needs. It should be noted that even if your symptoms are mild you should consult a qualified professional before beginning any type of treatment.

Can knee pain be treated with chiropractic care?

Everyone’s situation is different and as such treatment will vary. However, at DMC Healthcare, Dr. Weddle offers a wide variety of treatment options to relieve knee pain. When the body is out of alignment it can put undue stress and pressure on the knee joints. Chiropractic manipulation of the vertebrae can realign the body which alleviates pain and helps the body’s natural healing process. Dr. Weddle also offers rehabilitation therapy which entails an exercise program that can improve strength, endurance, and stability. If necessary, joint injections can be performed in office as an alternative or in combination with other treatments.