Most Common Causes of Knee Pain

Do you have sore knees? Don’t ignore the pain. The team at Kouimanis Chiropractic can help you find the cause of the pain and how to manage it. We use chiropractic and massage therapy to get you feeling like yourself again. Knee pain has several causes, so watch for these signs and clues to point you towards a diagnosis. 

Injuries

Injuries can happen in an instant: you slip on ice; you fall while playing a sports game. Even if you take safety precautions, an accident can get the better of us and lead to some serious pain. Proper injury management immediately following the incident can improve the outcome. Using ice packs to reduce swelling and limiting activities for a few weeks afterward can help the injury heal. A few injuries include: 

• Fracture
• Torn ACL
• Patellar tendonitis
• Torn meniscus

In some cases, however, the damage is done. You may have lasting discomfort that doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you try. Chiropractic can promote healing, whether your injury is old or new. 

Arthritis

Over time, the joints can become worn down, and the soft protective tissue in them can wear away, leaving the nearby bone subject to pressure and friction. There are many different kinds of arthritis, and some are more likely to affect the knees. Arthritis is a degenerative condition and can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as other symptoms depending on the cause. If you have arthritic knee pain, you might have: 

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis and occurs due to age. The joints become worn out and can cause a number of symptoms. The pain may radiate from the joint up or down the leg. 
• Gout: Gout happens when a joint becomes filled with uric acid crystals. Usually, gout affects the big toe, but it sometimes also affects the knees. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This version of arthritis tends to be the most debilitating. It’s an autoimmune condition and can affect any part of your body. You may experience flare-ups in which pain comes and goes. 

Each of these requires its own treatment, but chiropractic can help mitigate discomfort in all cases. 

Physical Activity Levels

Being inactive can lead to chronic pain, including that of the knee. Not taking the time to stretch your muscles or build strength can leave you feeling weak and sore. Excess body weight can also put pressure on the knees, as well. On the other hand, being active can also sometimes increase your risk for certain injuries, such as if you roller skate or do other activities that may cause you to fall and hurt your knees somehow. The benefits of physical activity outweigh that of not exercising, however. 

Contact a Chiropractor Today

No matter what’s causing your knee pain, have a chiropractor check it out. Kouimanis Chiropractic has a range of services designed to help you feel better. Chiropractic is a highly successful treatment for arthritis and injuries. Call us now for an appointment.