Knee pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints in the United States, affecting approximately 25% of adults and serving as a leading cause of physical disability (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Because the knee is a complex, weight-bearing joint, it is highly susceptible to everything from acute trauma and mechanical wear-and-tear to systemic inflammatory conditions.
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens has spent nearly 30 years helping patients understand the root cause of their discomfort. Whether your pain is the result of a recent sports injury or years of gradual "wear and tear," our goal is to provide quick relief while supporting your long-term wellness.
Common Acute Knee Injuries
Acute injuries typically occur suddenly due to trauma or repetitive strain, affecting the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage that stabilize the joint.
- ACL Injuries: An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear often happens during sports when the knee is twisted or hyperextended. Patients frequently report a loud "pop" followed by immediate instability and swelling (Mayo Clinic).
- Meniscus Tears: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee. Forcefully twisting the knee while bearing weight can tear this cartilage, leading to stiffness, swelling, and a sensation that the knee is "locking" in place (Cleveland Clinic).
- Patellar Tendinitis: Often called "jumper's knee," this involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It is a common complaint for runners and athletes, presenting as sharp pain at the front of the knee (HSS).
- Knee Bursitis: Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joint can cause localized warmth and pressure-sensitive pain, often due to repetitive kneeling (Mayo Clinic).
Mechanical Problems and Gait Disturbances
Mechanical issues involve structural abnormalities that interfere with how the knee moves. Interestingly, the source of knee pain isn't always the knee itself.
- Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: This occurs when the tissue running from the hip to the outer knee becomes tight, causing friction against the femur. It is a frequent cause of outer knee pain in long-distance runners (Cleveland Clinic).
- Gait Disturbances: If you have pain in your hip or foot, you may unconsciously alter your walk to avoid discomfort. This change in gait places uneven stress on the knee joint, which can lead to secondary pain and accelerated joint wear (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
- Patellar Dislocation: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing visible deformity and intense pain (Mayo Clinic).
Chronic Conditions and Arthritis
Arthritis is the primary cause of chronic, long-term knee pain.
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, OA involves the progressive breakdown of cartilage. It often results in morning stiffness and a grinding sensation during movement (Mayo Clinic).
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack the joint lining, leading to severe inflammation and warmth, often affecting both knees at once (Cleveland Clinic).
- Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal accumulation, gout presents as sudden, excruciating attacks of pain and redness (Mayo Clinic).
The Role of Referred Pain
It is important to remember that knee pain can sometimes be "referred" from other areas of the body. For example, compression of the L3-L4 nerve roots in the lower spine can cause pain to radiate down to the knee, often accompanied by numbness or weakness in the leg (Healthgrades). This is why a thorough chiropractic evaluation is essential to determine if your knee pain is actually a symptom of a spinal misalignment.
How Dr. Owens Treats Knee Pain in Bellevue
Dr. Owens utilizes a multi-faceted approach to treat knee pain, focusing on restoring proper movement and reducing inflammation without the need for invasive procedures.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Proper alignment is vital for joint health. Dr. Owens uses a combination of manual spinal manipulation and specialized instruments—such as the Impulse IQ and ArthroStim—to ensure your body is balanced. By correcting misalignments in the spine, hips, and lower extremities, we can alleviate the uneven pressure that often leads to knee degradation.
Myofascial Release
For patients dealing with muscle tightness or scar tissue from old injuries, we provide myofascial release therapy. Using techniques like VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point release, Dr. Owens works to break down painful tissue and restore flexibility to the muscles surrounding the knee.
Red Light (Laser) Therapy
We offer red light and infrared laser therapy to stimulate blood flow and cell metabolism. This non-invasive treatment assists the body’s natural healing process, helping to reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery of damaged tissues.
Kinesio Taping
To support the knee during the healing process, we may apply Kinesio Tape. This helps stabilize the joint, alleviate muscle spasms, and strengthen the nerve connection between the brain and the injured area, providing support for several days at a time.
Start Your Recovery Today
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, we believe that how long you wish to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Whether you are looking for immediate relief from an auto injury or preventative care on a monthly basis, Dr. Owens is here to help.
We offer same-day treatments for most first visits, and long-term treatment plans are never required to start care. Dr. Owens is in-network with most major insurance providers, including:
- Medicare and L
- Premera and Blue Cross
- Regence and Kaiser First Choice Options
- United Healthcare and Aetna
If you are struggling with knee pain, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Experience the thoroughness and friendly bedside manner that has made Dr. Owens a trusted provider in Bellevue for nearly three decades.
Contact Us
Chiropractic of Bellevue
365 118th Ave SE Ste 110, Bellevue, WA 98005
Call or Text: (425) 802-5432
Email: ca4owens@gmail.com
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21511-knee-pain
https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_knee-pain.asp
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-pain-and-problems
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/knee-pain/7-rare-causes-of-knee-pain
