Knee Pain

Did you know that 25% of the adult population frequently experiences knee pain, limiting their mobility and decreasing their overall quality of life? This is true, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cedar Springs Family Chiropractic is dedicated to providing comprehensive relief and treatment for knee pain to the residents of Cedar Springs, MI. Before discussing treatment options, it's important to have a clear understanding of the causes and symptoms associated with knee pain.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can have several causes, depending on where the pain is located. Out of all the movable parts in the body, the knee is your body's largest joint and is remarkably complex. It's constructed from four bones: the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella or kneecap. Strong ligaments and tendons hold these bones in place and enable movement such as bending and straightening the knee. Pain in the ligaments and joints can be caused by any of the following:

Pain Caused by Injuries

Knee pain can result from various factors, including overuse, certain types of arthritis, and sports injuries. A common cause of knee pain for long-distance runners is Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner's Knee), which is caused by excessive pressure at the front of the knee joint.

Meniscus pain is the result of a tear in the cartilage caused by forcefully twisting or rotating your knee while bearing weight (sudden pivoting during a sporting event). An ACL injury is a tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament, the ligament that controls the front and back motion of your knee. Football and soccer players often experience this type of sports injury.

Pain Related to Aging

Getting older is a fact of life, and it can come with joint pain. As we age, our bodies produce less fluid to lubricate the joints, and the cartilage in the knee thins out. Tendons shorten over time, and joints become stiff, making walking, bending, stooping, and sitting painful.

Autoimmune and Degenerative Diseases

Many medical conditions can also cause knee pain that is not related to aging or injuries. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the body's defense system mistakenly targets the joints, starting with the protective layer inside them. Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis, occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of your bones in joints gradually wears down.

Signs to Watch Out for:

• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling (inflammation)
• Stiffness, limited range of motion

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with a chiropractor to treat the pain and prevent further damage to the joints and ligaments.

Treatment Options

Treatment options like massage therapy, lifestyle and dietary changes, and rehabilitation care (exercises to strengthen ligaments, lessen pain, and improve joint flexibility) can make a big difference in how quickly you can get back to enjoying your life.

Contact Cedar Springs Family Chiropractic in Cedar Springs, MI

At Cedar Springs Family Chiropractic, we specialize in offering top-notch chiropractic care that targets the root cause of your knee pain. By using personalized treatment plans, including advanced chiropractic techniques and rehabilitative exercises, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to helping you achieve lasting relief and improved mobility. Are you looking for a chiropractor near me? Contact us at (616) 696-2688 to schedule your consultation today.