Chronic Knee Pain and Chiropractics
We often see a high prevalence of pain and severe discomfort in areas of the musculoskeletal system where the most force is applied over time. Often times, this pain and discomfort occurs in the knees.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, roughly ten million visits to the orthopedist were focused on some sort of condition within the knees. This is especially true for people who are active and put a lot of pressure on the knees - remember, the knees are sort of the body's shock absorbers.
The weight of the head, the entire torso, and the largest parts of the legs, are all condensed into the carrying capacity of the knees. There are often problems of arthritis and structural damage in the knee from this excessive force, such as a torn meniscus or cartilage damage in the joint itself. To make matters worse individuals often neglect certain measures to promote positive health outcomes in the knees, such as shoes with good support and improper exercise techniques.
If you are suffering from knee pain or less than adequate range of motion in the knee, you do not have to be relegated to this condition for the rest of your life. In some cases, chiropractic care can be used to improve the strength and the range of motion in the knee to ensure that a patient can restore their body to proper condition, and continue to do all of the things they want to do physically. While most people believe chiropractors only work on the spine, the truth is they focus on the body as a whole.
Chiropractors are able to work deep into the muscles and tissues to restore proper blood flow to the area. Good circulation to the knees brings more oxygen to the afflicted area, and transports nutrients to the area as well. Additionally, increased blood flow to the knees can clear out any lactic acid or structural damage that is located in this region, giving the knee an opportunity to recover upon the completion of treatment. Important nutrients that support proper function begin to return to affected areas, boosting healing power.
In addition to chiropractic care, patients can use the classic combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to combat knee pain. However, this can only go so far and the potential from knee problems to recur increases over time without proper handling of the condition. If your knee pain is both chronic and debilitating, make sure to speak with a physician to see how to handle your pain in a multidisciplinary way.
