What are the most common knee problems?
The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body, serving as the crucial junction that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It bears the majority of your body weight and must withstand immense forces, whether you are walking, running, jumping, or simply moving through your daily activities.
This constant stress, combined with the joint’s intricate network of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, is precisely what makes it so susceptible to injury and degeneration. If you are experiencing knee pain, you are certainly not alone; it is one of the most frequent complaints that bring patients to our office, where we provide comprehensive care as a leading chiropractor in metairie. Understanding the common causes of knee problems is the essential first step toward finding effective, lasting relief and reclaiming your mobility.
At Legacy Chiropractic, we are dedicated to diagnosing the root cause of your discomfort, whether it stems from a sudden injury or years of accumulated wear-and-tear.
Osteoarthritis (The Wear-and-Tear Condition)
Arguably the most widespread cause of chronic knee pain, osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of the smooth, protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. Cartilage allows the bones to glide effortlessly against one another, but as it deteriorates, the bones begin to rub together, leading to friction, inflammation, and chronic pain.
This condition typically develops slowly over time, often affecting individuals over the age of 50, though prior knee joint injuries can accelerate its onset. Patients with knee osteoarthritis commonly report stiffness that is worse in the morning or after periods of rest, a grinding sensation when moving the knee, and localized swelling. Because the condition affects the overall mechanical function of the joint, conservative treatments like those offered by your chiropractor in metairie at Legacy Chiropractic are critical for managing symptoms, improving joint range of motion, and slowing the progression of this challenging condition.
Addressing the alignment of the spine and lower extremities is crucial, as biomechanical imbalances can place excessive stress on an already compromised knee joint, exacerbating the pain and limiting your ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
Meniscus Tears (The Shock Absorber Injury)
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as crucial shock absorbers and stabilizers within the knee joint. Situated between the femur and the tibia, they help distribute weight and keep the joint steady. A meniscus tear is a very common injury, especially among athletes involved in sports that require sudden twists or pivots, such as football, basketball, or soccer.
However, menisci can also degenerate and tear in older individuals without a specific traumatic event simply due to age and accumulated wear-and-tear, making them prone to injury from something as simple as standing up too quickly or squatting down. The symptoms of a meniscus tear often include sharp knee pain, swelling, and a sensation of the knee “catching” or “locking” when attempting to move it.
You might also hear a distinct popping noise when the injury occurs. Because the tear can disrupt the normal movement and function of the joint, precise diagnosis is vital. We utilize a comprehensive approach that includes joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and targeted rehabilitative exercises to help manage the pain, restore function, and promote healing without the need for invasive procedures, helping you find relief right here with a skilled chiropractor in metairie.
Ligament Sprains and Tears (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
The stability of the knee joint relies heavily on four major ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These strong, fibrous bands connect the bones and prevent excessive motion in different directions. Injuries to these ligaments, particularly the ACL tear, are notorious in sports circles but can occur during any incident involving a rapid stop, sudden change in direction, or a direct blow to the knee.
An ACL tear often presents as a dramatic, immediate event, accompanied by a popping sound, rapid swelling, and an inability to bear weight. The severity of a ligament injury ranges from a mild sprain (Grade 1) to a complete tear (Grade 3). The MCL and LCL, which provide lateral stability, are also frequently injured but often respond well to conservative care, unlike many complete ACL tears which may require surgical intervention. In any case of a suspected ligament injury, proper evaluation is critical to determine the extent of the damage and establish a recovery plan.
Our holistic approach involves strengthening the surrounding muscles to support the compromised joint and utilizing techniques like Kinesio Taping to aid stability and reduce inflammation, complementing your overall recovery plan with experienced chiropractic care.
How Legacy Chiropractic Addresses Knee Problems
At Legacy Chiropractic, our focus goes far beyond treating the immediate knee pain; we specialize in restoring the proper biomechanical function of the entire lower kinetic chain, from the low back and pelvis down through the foot. Because the knee is highly dependent on the alignment and movement of the hip and ankle, issues originating in those areas can often contribute to or even cause knee problems.
Our treatment plans are customized and may incorporate multiple advanced therapeutic techniques. We employ gentle chiropractic adjustments to ensure proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, which in turn reduces unnecessary stress on the knee joint. Furthermore, we utilize cutting-edge soft tissue therapies like dry needling, therapeutic massage, and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to release tension in the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee.
Targeted therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation are integral to our approach, helping you rebuild strength and endurance to stabilize the joint and prevent future injuries. We understand that whether you are dealing with chronic osteoarthritis or recovering from a traumatic ACL tear, effective knee pain relief requires a comprehensive, hands-on, and personalized strategy—the gold standard of care provided by your trusted chiropractor in metairie.
Don’t let knee pain dictate your life or limit your favorite activities. The first step toward healing is understanding the precise nature of your condition. If you are struggling with discomfort, stiffness, or instability in your knees, it’s time to seek expert help. Legacy Chiropractic offers the specialized chiropractic care and advanced rehabilitative techniques necessary to get you back on your feet, moving freely and without pain.
Call us today at (504) 224-4700 and request an appointment with your dedicated chiropractor in metairie and start your journey toward optimal health and mobility.