Knee pain can put a damper on all of your activities; it affects everything from exercise to everyday movement. It’s a common condition — 25% of American adults experience chronic pain in one or both knees. If that sounds like you, it’s time to get help. Here at Cleveland Chiropractic and Massage, our chiropractor, Dr. Jennifer Elliot, treats knee pain regularly.
What are some possible causes of knee pain?
Knee pain can have a wide range of causes. If you’re an athlete or a frequent exerciser, you might experience pain in your knee when you overtrain. That’s because repetitive motions, such as running or jumping, can irritate the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the knee.
Other common causes of knee pain include:
- Arthritis: This condition can lead to painful swelling in your knee joint. Arthritis can be caused by age, autoimmune diseases, weight, and bone health.
- Physical issues: Problems in other parts of your body can affect your knee. Examples include tightness in your iliotibial band and loose pieces of bone. In some cases, pain can alter your gait and increase pressure on your knee, causing pain.
- Injuries: Any time your knee experiences a strong, sharp movement or force, it can damage the joint. Injuries often affect your ligaments, bones, or cartilage.
Are there risk factors for knee pain?
Anyone can experience knee pain, regardless of age or activity level. Some of the factors that may increase your risk are:
- Participation in activities with repetitive leg motions or high-impact jumping
- A history of knee, hip, or foot injuries
- Carrying extra weight
- Low levels of strength, fitness, and flexibility
What are the long-term effects of knee pain?
The complications and long-term effects of knee pain vary based on the cause. When you injure your knee, you’re more likely to face other knee problems in the future. Arthritis can also cause ongoing pain.
The way you respond to knee pain also affects the outcome. In general, it’s a good idea to rest the joint any time you experience pain. If the issue persists, it’s important to seek treatment. Untreated knee problems can lead to chronic pain, damage to the joint, or trouble walking.
How can a chiropractor help with knee pain?
Depending on the cause of your knee pain, chiropractors can provide gentle, non-invasive treatment. First, the chiropractor will conduct an exam to identify the cause. When appropriate, some potential treatment options include:
- Spinal adjustments
- Massage therapy
- Gentle stretching
- Strength-building
Get Chiropractic Help With Knee Pain in Garner, NC
If you’re struggling with knee pain, contact us at Cleveland Chiropractic and Massage to set up an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Moran. From our Garner office, we’re proud to serve patients from Clayton, Willow Springs, Four Oaks, Angier, and the 40/42 area. Call us today at (919) 772-7996 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.
