Knee Pain

Get Chiropractic care in Highland & Lebanon, IL

Learn more about knee pain and how to get pain free.

Dealing With Knee Pain

Knee pain is frequently attributed to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), which describes the painful irritation of the cartilage located behind your kneecap. While it can affect nearly anyone, it is commonly the result of excessive knee use in sports that involve jumping or running, earning it the nickname "Runner's knee." PFPS is the leading cause of knee pain among the general population, impacting nearly a quarter of all adults. Chiropractic adjustment treatments can provide relief.

Causes Of PFPS

One of the most prevalent causes of PFPS arises from an imbalance among the muscles that assist in directing your kneecap within its V-shaped groove at the bottom of your thigh bone. When you repeatedly flex and extend your kneecap while it is misaligned, it can frequently result in pain, swelling, and ultimately arthritis. In many instances, the misalignment of the kneecap (patella) is a secondary issue stemming from the hip and foot, particularly due to weakness in the gluteal muscles or flat feet.

Aggravating PFPS Symptoms

PFPS leads to a persistent and dull ache behind the kneecap, worsened by extended periods of walking, running, squatting, jumping, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position. This discomfort often intensifies when descending hills or stairs. Prolonged misalignment can harm the cartilage, leading to sensations of popping, grinding, or instability.

Chiropractic Care For Knee Injuries

Conservative care, such as the treatment offered in this office, has been shown to be both safe and effective in alleviating your symptoms. In the initial stages, it's generally advisable to limit activities that exacerbate your pain, particularly running, jumping, and movements that put you in a "knock-kneed" position. Strive to keep your knees from crossing in front of your toes when squatting. For athletes, it may be necessary to adjust your routine to include swimming or cycling instead of running.

Consistently performing your home exercises is crucial for helping realign the patella, reduce pain, and prevent future issues. Applying ice or performing ice massage around your kneecap for 10-15 minutes several times a day may also provide significant relief.