Understanding Common Causes of Knee Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

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

Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis | Chiropractic of Bellevue

Knee pain is a remarkably common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether it stems from a sudden athletic injury or the gradual progression of age-related wear and tear, understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward effective management. At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens brings nearly 30 years of experience to help patients navigate the complexities of joint health. Serving the Bellevue, WA area, our clinic focuses on providing thorough, personalized care to alleviate discomfort and restore mobility.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

The etiology of knee pain is broad, ranging from acute trauma to systemic inflammatory conditions. Identifying the specific cause requires a detailed assessment of the joint's mechanics and the patient's history.

Acute Soft Tissue and Bone Injuries

Traumatic injuries are a leading cause of sudden knee morbidity, particularly in active populations.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury: Often occurring during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, an ACL tear is a significant injury resulting from rapid deceleration [Mayo Clinic].
• Meniscus Tears: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. Twisting motions can cause this fibrocartilage to tear, leading to pain and instability [Cleveland Clinic].
• Knee Bursitis: This involves inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint, frequently caused by repetitive pressure or overuse [Mayo Clinic].
• Patellar Tendinitis: Known as "jumper's knee," this condition involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone [HSS].

Mechanical and Biomechanical Issues

Not all knee pain is the result of a direct blow. Often, the way the body moves—or fails to move—leads to dysfunction.

• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: Common among runners, this occurs when the IT band becomes tight and rubs against the outer portion of the femur [Cleveland Clinic].
• Referred Pain: Interestingly, knee pain can sometimes originate elsewhere. Pathologies in the hip or foot can alter gait mechanics, placing secondary stress on the knee joint [Mayo Clinic]. This is why Dr. Owens performs a thorough evaluation of the entire kinetic chain.
• Dislocated Kneecap: This occurs when the patella slips out of its designated groove, typically to the outside of the knee [Mayo Clinic].

Arthritic and Inflammatory Conditions

Chronic knee pain is frequently linked to various forms of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common form of knee arthritis, this "wear and tear" condition involves the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage [Cleveland Clinic].
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can target the synovial lining of the knee, leading to significant joint deformity if left unmanaged [NHS].
• Crystalline Arthropathies: Conditions like Gout and Pseudogout involve the deposition of crystals within the joint space, causing acute and severe inflammatory episodes [Mayo Clinic].

Pediatric and Rare Etiologies

In younger patients, especially those aged 9 to 14, knee pain is often related to growth. Osgood-Schlatter Disease and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome involve inflammation at the patellar tendon attachment sites during growth spurts [Perth Children's Hospital, Orthobullets].

Rarely, knee pain may be caused by neurological issues like Saphenous Nerve Entrapment, which causes burning medial pain that is often misdiagnosed as a meniscus injury [DMPhysios]. Other rare causes include Osteochondritis Dissecans, where a fragment of bone or cartilage loses its blood supply and detaches [StatPearls].

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on the underlying pathology, but general signs often include:

• Swelling, stiffness, and warmth to the touch [NHS].
• Mechanical symptoms such as popping, crunching (crepitus), or the feeling that the joint is "locking" [Mayo Clinic].
• Instability or the sensation that the knee is "giving way."
• Location-specific pain: Medial pain (inside) often indicates meniscus or MCL issues, while lateral pain (outside) is frequently linked to IT band syndrome [Stanford Medicine].

Professional Diagnosis of Knee Pain

At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Owens utilizes a tiered diagnostic approach to identify the source of discomfort.

Physical Examination

The diagnostic process begins with inspection and palpation to assess for deformity and tenderness. Specialized maneuvers, such as the McMurray test for meniscus tears and the Lachman test for ACL stability, provide valuable insight into the integrity of the joint [Stanford Medicine, AAFP].

Imaging and Advanced Testing

While Dr. Owens often provides same-day treatments, x-rays or MRIs may be recommended if the clinical presentation suggests a fracture or complex soft tissue tear [AAFP]. MRI remains the gold standard for visualizing ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. In some cases, blood tests may be necessary to screen for inflammatory markers or rheumatoid factors [Mayo Clinic].

Chiropractic Care and Management in Bellevue

Dr. Owens aims for quick pain relief while never neglecting long-term wellness. Our clinic provides several non-invasive services to manage knee pain:

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Restoring proper alignment and movement to the spine and extremities helps alleviate referred stress on the knee.
• Myofascial Release: Using techniques like VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point release, we work to relieve muscle tightness and break down scar tissue that may be contributing to knee dysfunction.
• Red Light (Laser) Therapy: This non-invasive service stimulates blood flow and cell metabolism, assisting the body in reducing inflammation and healing tissues faster.
• Kinesio Taping: Often used for more significant injuries, taping stabilizes the area and facilitates the body's natural healing power to reduce muscle spasms.

Conclusion

Knee pain does not have to be a permanent obstacle to your lifestyle. Whether your condition is caused by an acute injury or a chronic mechanical issue, early diagnosis and a tailored care plan are essential. Chiropractic of Bellevue is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief without unnecessary invasive procedures.

If you are experiencing knee discomfort, contact us to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Edward Owens. We are in-network with most major providers, including Premera, United Healthcare, Regence, and Kaiser.

Chiropractic of Bellevue
365 118th Ave SE Ste 110, Bellevue, WA 98005
Call or Text: (425) 802-5432
Email: ca4owens@gmail.com

Sources

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