Do you know of someone who is afraid to go up and down stairs because of knee pain? This is a common problem that can be and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Why would someone have pain with such a simple movement?
To answer that question, let’s review the knee...
Your knee joins four major bones
Femur - thigh bone
Tibia - large shinbone
Patella - kneecap
Fibula - small shin bone
All of the bones along with their associated ligaments, muscles, and tendons must work in together to allow fluid leg movement. Every time you bend or straighten the knee, the patella slides over the femur. The knee joint cartilage keeps your patella in position as it cushions and lubricates the joint. Between the femur and the tibia the meniscus cushions these two large bones keeping them from rubbing on each other. At the very end of each of the movements the fibula stabilizes the knee in rotation. While this movement is very small it is very important.
How does the knee get injured?
It can be as simple as poor movement(s). The reality is that damage occurs when the force into the knee from an activity is simply more than the strength of the joint at that specific position. Climbing stairs, running, squats, jumping, and other movements all subject the knees to additional stress.
Worn joints, articular, cartilage and tears in the meniscus are the most common injuries resulting in knee joint pain when walking up or down stairs. These typically are more painful with compression and pressure.
Many athletes also suffer from ACL injuries that can result in instability and pain. The ACL is a ligament that holds the femur and tibia together as the joints move. When this is damaged the surrounding muscles have to work harder to make sure the joint is stable. This can create a sensation of unsteady or weak steps.
The last and least common is a decrease in the movement between the fibula and tibia. These two bones need to rotate as the knee and ankle move to provide stability for the knee and ankle. Restriction in the ability of the fibula to rotate can oftentimes create a burning pain, or ache in the back of the knee.
3 fixes for knee pain
Chiropractic Adjustments restore movement and coordination of damaged joints. Many of the treatment techniques in addition to traditional adjustments (ART, Graston, Flossing, MR4 Laser therapy) can speed up the pain reduction and in some cases reverse joint degeneration or arthritis.
Exercise is also key to helping not only reduce the pain but keep the pain away. Many times a change in the function of the muscles due to small injury leads to pain or arthritis. Getting started with non weight-bearing activities allow for the joint(s) to move, heal and improve strength.
Nutrition (Disclaimer: before taking or modifying your diet or supplements speak with a medical professional) play a key role in joint health. A diet low in inflammatory or unhealthy foods will support good strong healthy joints. Additionally many people find good results with additional supplementation of Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate, Fish Oils, Boswellia, and Bromelain.
If you or someone you know is struggling with knee pain. Click Here to Schedule your appointment today.