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Durham, NC 27705 USA

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Knee Pain

close up image of two hands holding a knee in pain

Knee pain is common in people of all ages. It may start suddenly — such as after exercise or an injury. But it can also develop over time, starting out as minor discomfort.

Chiropractic care for knee pain includes first identifying the underlying cause of the pain, which could be an injury, mechanical problem or some kind of arthritis. Once this is known, the chiropractor can determine the best treatment for the pain.

Causes of Knee Pain

There are three main types of problems that can lead to pain in the knee.

Injuries

Damaging any part of the knee may cause pain. These parts include:

  • The structures that surround the knee — the ligaments, tendons and fluid-filled sacs
  • The parts of the knee itself — ligaments, cartilage and bones

Some of the most common knee injuries include:

  • Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
  • Tearing of the meniscus. The shock absorbing cartilage between the bones of the shin and thigh
  • Knee bursitis. Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee
  • Patellar tendinitis. Inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones

Mechanical problems

Changes in how the knee works can lead to pain in the knee, such as:

  • Iliotibial band syndrome. Tightening of the ligament that runs from the pelvic bone to the outside of the tibia, which can cause it to rub on the outside of the thigh bone
  • Dislocated kneecap. This happens when the kneecap (patella) slips out of place.
  • Hip or foot pain. These can change how you walk and lead to more stress on the knee.

Arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis that can cause swelling and pain in the knee, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Septic arthritis

How Chiropractic Care Relieves Knee Pain

Chiropractors will first do a thorough physical examination. This will enable them to identity the underlying cause of the knee pain. Even though the pain is located in the knee, the problem can lie elsewhere in the body.

For example, runners often complain of a tight iliotibial (IT) band — a common condition for them. This, however, may be caused by weakness in certain muscles, which makes them walk or run unevenly. In order to stabilize the joints, the IT band has to work harder. Over time, this may cause it to tighten and lead to knee pain.

Chiropractic care may be able to relieve knee pain, especially when combined with standard medical care. Spine and joint manipulation can improve the functioning of the knee by:

  • Returning the spine to normal movement
  • Relaxing the muscles of the body
  • Increasing the range of motion in the knee
  • Improving the coordination of joints, especially the ankle, knee and hips
  • Reducing other problems in the body that may be contributing to pain in the knee

Chiropractors may also use other techniques to reduce inflammation in the knee that is causing pain, such as ultrasound therapy or ice massage. They may also apply special kinds of tape to the body to treat ligament injuries. This helps stabilize the problem area and reduce inflammation.

Relief From Knee Pain and Overall Health

Excessive knee pain can often lead to people avoiding certain activities, such as walking, running or biking. Over time, the lack of physical activity can lead to other health problems and may aggravate the pain in the knee.

Early treatment of knee pain, along with the underlying causes, can help people return to their normal activities sooner. This will improve their health both in the short and long term. It will also allow athletes to return to their training and competitions.

Sign up using the form below or call 919-286-7202 to make an appointment.

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Monday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I was diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon with a buldging disc. I was in constant pain. There were times it was painful to turn over in bed. I could not bend to tie my shoes. The most painful thing was that my active lifestyle was completely changing. I could not play golf or exercise without pain. I was treated by a physical therapist, and then a chiropractor for about nine months. This treatment temporarily relieved a lot of my pain. Dr. Peterson told me the DRX-9000 had helped others with my condition. After the first two weeks of painless treatment I could tell a difference. I now play golf without pain. I just played in a three day tournament. I can even tie my own shoes. I do recommend this treatment."
    R. S.

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