Knee Pain: Understanding the Role of Chiropractors in Orthopedic Care

Do you experience a nagging ache in your knee that won’t seem to go away? According to a recent medical evaluation, knee pain affects 25% of adults, and its prevalence has increased by at most 65% over the past two decades.

Whether it’s a dull throb or a sharp stab, knee pain can significantly impact our daily lives, limiting our mobility and hindering our enjoyment of simple activities.

You deserve to be in control of your health, and when it comes to extreme pain, you shouldn’t feel like going under the knife is your only choice.

In this article, you’ll explore the role of chiropractors in orthopedic care, especially in addressing knee pain. We’ll also talk about signs that it’s time to see an expert for holistic care.

👉 Also Read: The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Understanding Knee Pain: The Common Causes and Symptoms 

The knee bears the brunt of our weight and movement, which is the reason pain in this region is common and affects the mobility of the whole body. The intricate structure of bones and muscles is susceptible to various issues, leading to a frustrating sharp pain you experience every day.

Here are some common causes of knee ache:

Overuse

Repetitive motions, especially in high-impact activities like running, can cause extreme pain and may lead to “runner’s knee” (patellofemoral pain syndrome) or inflammation of the patellar tendon (tendinitis).

Symptoms:

• Aching pain around the kneecap
• Pain and swelling around the affected tendon

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness. Some people also experience psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to pain and potential deformities. 

Symptoms:

• Gradual onset of pain
• Stiffness and swelling after prolonged physical activity

Common Knee Injuries

Sudden trauma, like falls, twists, or sports injuries, can cause ligament sprains, meniscus tears, or fractures in the bones around the knee, resulting in pain and instability. 

Symptoms:

• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee 
• Clicking or popping sound 
• Swelling

👉 Also Read: Sports Injury Recovery Tips for a Safe Return

Other Conditions

When urate crystals accumulate in the knee joint, it can irritate the muscles, contributing to intense pain. Furthermore, inflammation of the bursae, small sacs filled with synovial fluid that cushion and lubricate areas between tendons and bones, can also cause similar knee infections.

Symptoms:

• Redness and warmth in the joint 
• Tenderness around the affected bursa

Regardless of the causes and symptoms of your knee condition, it’s crucial to consult licensed orthopedic professionals in Bloomfield, NJ, before the pain worsens. Contact Alliance Orthopedics today and eliminate the sharp knee pain from your life.

The Significant Role of Chiropractors in Orthopedic Care After Knee Pain Treatment

While orthopedic doctors remain crucial for diagnosing and treating knee pain through methods like surgical intervention, medication, and physical therapy, chiropractic experts can play a complementary role in your journey toward managing the pain. 

✍️ Note: Chiropractors don’t diagnose medical conditions or recommend pain medication. Instead, they use their findings to:

• Become your partner in understanding your knee pain.
• Investigate whether factors beyond the knee itself might be contributing to your pain.
• Determine if their approach could be a suitable option for managing your specific case.

Here’s how chiropractors diagnose your knee pain condition. 

Investigating the Root Cause

Before recommending knee adjustments, chiropractors will ask about your medical history, including past knee injuries, surgeries, and any existing conditions. It helps them delve deeper into the specifics of your pain to understand its location, intensity, and duration.

This comprehensive evaluation aids them in identifying the underlying factors that might be impacting your knee, such as: 

Spinal Misalignments

While not directly causing knee pain, these can sometimes affect your posture and gait, indirectly impacting your knee function.

Muscle Tension and Inflammation

Tightness or inflammation in muscles around the knee or elsewhere can contribute to pain and discomfort.

Joint Mobility Restrictions

Reduced movement in your ankle or hip joints can alter your gait and put additional stress on your knee.

Addressing Discomfort and Promoting Well-being 

Beyond the standard check-up, chiropractic professionals might use specific methods like palpitation to gather more information to recommend suitable treatment methods such as:

Spinal and Knee Adjustment

Chiropractors use these techniques to improve joint mobility and function in the spine, potentially reducing nerve irritation and promoting overall well-being. Medical abstracts have proved that an improved spinal alignment can indirectly contribute to better posture gait, and potentially reduce stress on the knee joints.

Soft Tissue Therapies

Techniques like inflammation soft tissue massage therapy and trigger point therapy can help address muscle tension, to relieve pain and discomfort. Chiropractors use tissue mobilization to eliminate knee pain and associated symptoms.  

Therapeutic Exercises 

Several exercises that chiropractors recommend aim to improve flexibility, strength, and stability in your knee and surrounding joints. These exercises are helpful in orthopedic care as they promote better movement patterns and reduce discomfort. 

Collaboration and Continuity of Care

Our chiropractors emphasize collaboration and will communicate with the orthopedic healthcare professionals involved in your treatment, ensuring a well-coordinated approach to managing knee pain. 

The collaborative effort helps ensure your treatment plan addresses all aspects of your pain and promotes long-term healing.

Chiropractors play a crucial role in orthopedic care, especially in addressing knee pain and other critical conditions. If you are undergoing surgery for your knee condition, it’s vital to partner with a renowned chiropractor in Old Bridge for knee pain relief and faster recovery. 

👉 Also Read: What Our Physical Therapists and Chiropractors Can Do For You

Chiropractic for Knee Pain: What are the Results?

Can a chiropractor help with knee pain? Are you skeptical about the efficacy of chiropractic treatment? Here are the results you can expect:

Pain Reduction 

Experience a noticeable reduction in knee pain as chiropractors target the root causes, whether they stem from misalignments, muscle imbalances, or joint issues. Chiropractic knee adjustments and soft tissue techniques work together to provide effective pain relief.

Improved Joint Function

After a few sessions, you’ll see significant improvement in the function of your knee. These healthcare providers focus on enhancing joint mobility and addressing restrictions, allowing for smoother and more comfortable movements.

Strengthened Support Muscles

Chiropractors incorporate rehabilitative exercises into the treatment plan, targeting the muscles supporting the knee. This approach not only helps in relieving pain but also strengthens the muscles, providing enhanced stability to the knee joints.

Reduced Swelling and Inflammation

When the muscles are relaxed, you can see a reduction in swelling and inflammation around the knee. Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation also enhance blood flow, which promotes a natural healing process. 

Prevention of Recurrence

Chiropractic treatment isn’t just about addressing current pain – it’s about preventing its recurrence. By correcting imbalances, improving joint function, and empowering you with self-care strategies, chiropractors strive to minimize the likelihood of future knee issues.

Besides these, you can also expect overall well-being (when undergoing spinal manipulation) and an enhanced range of motion that improves your mobility. Since everyone has a unique knee pain condition, the results might vary, but the crux is the same- relief from knee pain.  

The Right Time to Seek Chiropractic Care for Knee Pain 

The worst thing about knee pain is that it doesn’t go away on its own. You need help from certified chiropractors to target the root cause of the knee problem for pain relief and improved motion.

Here are some key indicators that you should book an appointment with your local chiropractors.

Persistent or Recurring Joint Pain

If the knee pain persists over an extended period or recurs frequently after the orthopedic treatment, it may be a signal to seek chiropractic care. Chronic pain can stem from various musculoskeletal issues that chiropractors are adept at addressing.

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty in moving the knee or a reduced range of motion can point to underlying issues. Non-invasive methods can help restore joint function, and seeking care early on can prevent further limitations.

Post-Surgery Recovery

If you’ve undergone knee surgery, chiropractic care can play a supportive role in the recovery process. Techniques like rehabilitative exercises and physical therapy can help enhance healing.

Generalized Discomfort in the Lower Body

If the knee ache is accompanied by generalized discomfort in the back, hips, or other joints, chiropractic intervention can address the overall musculoskeletal system, providing holistic relief.

Preventive Wellness Measures

Seeing a chiropractor for regular check-ups, even in the absence of acute pain, can serve as a preventive measure. Proactive care helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Don’t wait until the discomfort in your knee becomes overwhelming- consider consulting a joint manipulation healthcare provider at the first signs of knee-related concerns.

👉 Also Read: Chiropractic Care and How It Can Help

Contact Alliance Orthopedics and Experience the Difference in Knee Pain

Knee pain has become a prevalent issue among older adults, and it is now affecting young people as well. If you are experiencing severe knee discomfort, it’s crucial to seek attention from chiropractors at Alliance Orthopedics.

Our healthcare providers go beyond simply addressing the pain itself. We take a holistic approach to improve your overall well-being. We are compassionate chiropractors dedicated to alleviating knee pain and discomfort quickly so you can lead a quality life.

Request an appointment for an initial consultation, and make knee pain the last thing you need to worry about. We are here to make your everyday life better by providing help with knee pain.