The knee

 

The knee is one of the biggest joints in the body that holds the weight of the body. It's therefore so vital for movement.

 

It's made up of five main things: bones, ligaments, cartilage, muscles and tendons.

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The knee is a commonly injured joint in the body due to the:

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• Number of moving parts in the knee

• Large amount of weight that is placed around the knee

• Amount that we use our knees.

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Symptoms of knee pain

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The knee commonly feels pain and is swollen when it's injured. It may also lock, buckle, and be extremely sharp. Symptoms will vary depending on the injury sustained.

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Common knee problems

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The knee is made up of multiple different structures, meaning there are multiple different things that can be injured. Some common knee injuries include: 

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Patella tracking - where the knee cap (patella) is pulled to the outside of the joint and aggravates the knee.

 

Tendinitis - often caused by overuse and muscle imbalance (the tendon gets inflamed). 

 

Bursitis - bursas are fluid-filled sacs that form under the skin, usually over joints. They can get inflamed, often by trauma or inflammation of surrounding structures.

 

Meniscus tears - this can occur when twisting, squatting or pivoting. It can also be a result of arthritis and aging. Meniscus tears vary in severity, can cause sharp pain, and can make the joint buckle or lock. They often cause a lot of swelling and pain. Their symptoms vary depending on the severity of the tear.

 

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears - a quick change of direction or landing incorrectly from a jump can cause an ACL tear. This can cause instability in the joint. ACL tears are best diagnosed by symptoms mechanism of injury and confirmed by a MRI.

 

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) - this ligament can be injured with impact to the front of the knee while it's bent. This often occurs in sports or motor vehicle accidents.

 

Collateral ligament - injury can be caused by twisting or by a blow to the side of the knee. Like other ligament injuries, they can leave the knee a little bit unstable. 

 

Muscle tears and sprains - explosive contractions, muscle imbalances changing direction, overuse, weakness, and overstretching can cause sprains, strains and tears in the muscles around the knee.They can all cause pain, weakness and lead to other injuries.

 

Osteoarthritis - aging and injury can cause wearing of the articular cartilage lining of the joints. This can cause pain and stiffness. 

 

Correct treatment must be centered around diagnosing and treatment.

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Treatment of knee pain

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We regularly see people from the Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds area for knee pain.

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Treatment will vary from person to person and between conditions but may include:

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• Mobilisations and manipulations - to restore function and movement to the knee and the joints that will impact it

• Soft tissue treatments - to reduce swelling and release tight muscles around the joint

• Rehabilitative exercise to strengthen muscle imbalances, stabilise the joints and prevent getting injured again

 

Sometimes you might even need surgical help. If this is the case, we will help you find an appropriate specialist.

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Contact us to find out if chiropractic care in Ascot Vale may be of benefit to you. We'd love to help you alleviate your pain!

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