Can Appropriate Posture Help With Knee Pain Relief?
May 22nd, 2009 | by admin |Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most commonplace dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the knee can be separated into several classes including poor mechanics of the knee and reduced foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, frequent overuse of the knee joint, inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain. Normally, the part of the knee affected is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move smoothly or does not move efficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This condition is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, expressly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and ensuing knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be caused by imbalances in the muscle groups that connect to the knee. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Faulty foot mechanics that create gait irregularities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.
Indications of overuse include pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon getting up after prolonged sitting. Some women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, but such conditions are often related to wearing high heels on a regular basis.
It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot. In specific cases, a brace is adopted to help with the alignment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to render knowledgeable diagnosis and management of these ailments.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often take place during sports that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is pulled or contorted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur creating a sprain. The muscles that move 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 minor injury that needs little care to a serious injury needing surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which provide for frictionless 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 cause serious pain and swelling and need urgent diagnosis and treatment. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these types of injuries, but there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to put ice on the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.
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 eventually erode. If tissue and cartilage wear away, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is often progressive with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, 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 San Jose chiropractor is will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually assist themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
