Good Posture Can Help With Knee Pain Reduction
September 26th, 2009 | by admin |Knee pain and disability is commonplace, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as impaired foot mechanics as compensation for foot pain as a rule cause painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, ailments related to 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. Normally, the part of the knee implicated is the patella or knee-cap. Many times the patella does not move smoothly or does not move efficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing too much stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This problem is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the primary reasons for imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be generated by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and taut. Mechanical knee pain is also produced by gait deviations such as pronation.
Evidence of overuse includes pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon getting up after prolonged sitting. Some women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, although such problems are many times 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 some cases, a brace is required to aid with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors are completely trained to provide the proper diagnosis and management of these problems.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, particularly. Sprains take place when tissue is torn due to the knee being stretched or contorted beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together. The muscles that give motion to the knee can also be torn during injury creating a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a slight injury that needs little care to a extreme injury necessitating surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that facilitate smooth motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and frequently need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can create severe pain and swelling and require immediate diagnosis and attention. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor can take excellent care of these conditions, however there are some injuries that require the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to ice the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not eliminated at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to wear out eventually. If tissue and cartilage deteriorate, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly 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 very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in alleviating the pain. Your chiropractor is very knowledgeable about 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.