How a Chiropractor Can Help With Knee Pain in Omaha NE

Many people tend to think that a chiropractor in Omaha NE can only help with back pain, but they can help with many different issues, including knee pain. So, if you're in Omaha and are experiencing knee pain, consider making an appointment with a local chiropractor for holistic and long-lasting care.

Knee Pain in Omaha NE

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with one out of every three people in America reported to experience this problem at some point in their lives. It's the second most common cause of chronic pain after back pain, and its risk factors include weight, age, previous injury, overuse, and tobacco use. It's reported that overweight people add 4lbs of stress on the knee joint. While over 65% of people in the US are overweight or obese, you can just see how this number can begin to increase the percentage of people with knee pain.

The knee joint is where the thighbone (femur) meets the shinbone (tibia). It's a hinge joint that allows the leg to bend and straighten. The knee is held together by two strong ligaments known as posterior and anterior cruciate, which cross over one another. The anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL) is common in sports injuries. There are also other ligaments along the sides of the knee called collateral ligaments, which provide stability from side to side. The knee also has a cushioning layer of cartilage (meniscus) between the bones to help with smooth movement and prevent too much friction from weight and gravity. In addition, there are many muscles, such as the quadriceps and the hamstrings that help to move the knee. While all these working parts play a vital role, they are also susceptible to numerous unique injuries.

According to a Health Research and Quality report, more than 745,000 knee replacement surgeries were performed in 2017 alone. Replacement surgery is performed in severe cases where nonsurgical treatments can no longer control the pain. It involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with an artificial joint. The surgery can be helpful, but it carries the risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, and continued pain. It's also a very invasive surgery that requires a lengthy recovery period.

A noninvasive, natural option with fewer risks, is less expensive, and offers better relief that can help ease the pain is chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments to the knee help to restore normal alignment and function of the joint, which can alleviate pain and can also improve the range of motion. Proper alignment and improved motion can take pressure off the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons, minimizing wear and tear and speeding up the healing process. Other natural treatments such as exercise, massage, and knee traction can also get to the root cause of the issue and provide long-term pain relief.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

If you are experiencing knee pain and live in Omaha, there's a good chance that our chiropractor can help. Here are some of the most common causes of knee pain that chiropractors see regularly:

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Being one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, Degenerative Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint begins to break down due to wear and tear over the years. It can also be accelerated by previous injury, obesity, or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. The problem manifests on one side at first but later progresses to both knees. In hospitals, this condition is treated with medications, injections, and eventually knee replacement surgery. But often, these methods only offer temporary relief and do not reach the root of the problem.

At Davis Chiropractic, we can offer a more natural approach to treating Degenerative Arthritis by getting to the root cause of the problem. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal alignment and function of the knee joint, which can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong band of tissue that connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). Between PCL and ACL, the latter is more likely to be injured. ACL injuries are common in athletes, especially those who play contact sports such as football or soccer. It happens when the knee rotates while the foot is planted. The torquing motion causes the ACL fiber to tear and rupture in extreme cases.

Treatment is highly dependent on the extent of the damage. For minor tears, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), rehabilitation exercises, vibration therapy, deep tissue laser, and other physical therapy can help to speed up the healing process. But if a rupture has occurred, surgical reconstruction may be needed to fix the problem. That will take plenty of time for the knee to recover. If you have suffered an ACL injury, seek chiropractic care to help pinpoint the source of the problem and develop a treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.

Torn Meniscus

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. It can be injured in many ways, but most commonly, it occurs when the knee is rotated while the foot is planted. When this happens, the bones push into the meniscus, causing it to tear. This can be very painful and causes heavy swelling to develop around the knee.

You need surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but it is not always successful. Therapies such as RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), deep tissue laser therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care can help to ease the symptoms but requires patience to see the results.

Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

This condition commonly affects runners and other athletes who put a lot of stress on their knees. It occurs when the patella (kneecap) rubs against the femur, causing pain and inflammation. It causes a "creaking" or "grinding" sensation in the knee, and the pain is often worse when going up or down stairs. The amount of stress or force placed on the knee joint during strenuous activities causes the nearby tissue to become inflamed. However, there's usually no damage to the bones, muscles, or ligaments.

You might be required to take a break from running or other high-impact activities to give the knee a chance to recover. Other treatments include RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physical therapy, deep tissue laser therapy, and chiropractic care. When you're dedicated to your career as a runner, you want to find a way to manage conditions like a runner's knee to stay in the game and keep doing what you love the most!

Subluxations

Subluxations can occur when the spine is out of alignment, exerting pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine to the rest of the body. Over time, this misalignment can irritate the spinal nerves and later result in knee pain, which is made worse by walking, running, and stair climbing.

At Davis Chiropractic, we focus on restoring normal alignment and function of the knee joint caused by subluxations, which can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.

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