Knee Pain in Portland OR

Knee pain in Portland OR is a relatively common occurrence for many people, which is not entirely surprising. The knees take a considerable beating in the course of an average person’s day and even more so for athletes. Walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs and other activities can take a toll. However, there are lots of things we can do to help at City Chiropractic, your Portland chiropractor.

Knee Pain – Anatomy Matters in Portland OR

Many people don’t realize how complex the knee joint actually is. Although a single joint, it is the meeting place of four bones – the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella. These are supported and held together by multiple tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles, not to mention the nerves and blood vessels. The joint is also surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called a bursa, which provides lubrication to prevent bones from rubbing together. Injury to any of those structures can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness. In addition, you may have crunching or popping sounds, be unable to bend or straighten the knee, or feel that it is unstable.

Knee Pain Conditions and Treatment

Many common knee problems will respond to chiropractic treatment; even chronic conditions can often be improved. A frozen or locked knee, for example, can occur when the kneecap (patella) is out of alignment. A simple adjustment can quickly correct the problem. Injuries often leave tense, short muscles even after they heal. Massage, heat and cold therapy, and laser treatments can often relieve pain and promote better movement. Overuse injuries will also respond to these therapies. A targeted exercise program is always beneficial.

Knee Pain Assessment and Prevention

When you have knee pain, a thorough assessment is very important. Sometimes the source of the problem is not in the knee joint itself. For example, if you have limited range of motion in the hips because of tight flexor muscles, it can place excessive strain on the knees. Low back pain may change your gait and affect not only the knees but the hips and ankles. If you have weak or uneven muscles (muscles work in pairs), especially in the quadriceps muscles or hamstrings, it can affect the alignment of the knee. Over time, these can even lead to degenerative changes in the bone of the knee joint. Chiropractic treatment and corrective exercises can help prevent more serious problems down the road.

If you are bothered by knee pain, it’s hard to manage your daily responsibilities. We may very well have a drug-free solution to the problem. Please contact us at ((503) 224-9513 for an appointment and recommendations.