Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is characterized by pain in the front region of the knee, around the patella (kneecap), and is often described as stabbing, aching, and/or burning—especially during movements that increase pressure between the femur and patella. Common aggravating activities include prolonged sitting, transitioning from sitting to standing, climbing or descending stairs, kneeling, squatting, […]
Non-Surgical Care for Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament situated in the knee joint that firmly connects the femur to the tibia, providing stability when flexing and extending the knee. The ligament can tear when the knee experiences excessive stress or trauma, such as a direct impact, incorrect landing from a jump or fall, sudden deceleration, […]
Non-Surgical Care for Acute Knee Injuries
The knee is a complex hinge type of joint that consists of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligamentous structures that are vulnerable to injury during high-intensity rotational and explosive movements. As such, acute knee injuries are often associated with sporting activities. It’s estimated that 2.5 million acute knee injuries occur in the United States each year. […]
Runner’s Knee
Running is a popular recreational activity, and it’s an effective form of aerobic exercise for both young and old. It’s estimated that 50-60 million Americans regularly run or jog on tracks, city streets, or trails. However, running also carries a risk for injury. It’s estimated that at least half of recreational runners will sustain an […]
The Noisy Knee Joint
It’s common for the knee joint to be very noisy, especially when performing activities such as squatting, climbing steps, or repetitive knee extensions. Patients frequently present to their chiropractor and ask, “Is that noise normal and should I be concerned?” In most cases, crepitus (noise) emitted from the knee—which can include clicking, cracking, catching, snapping, […]
Knee Osteoarthritis and Fall Risk
The World Health Organization reports that falls are a significant global public health issue. In fact, each year 37.3 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention, and falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury and deaths. For an older adult, a non-fatal fall can lead to serious injury that can result […]
The Various Causes of Patellofemoral Knee Pain
In addition to being the largest joint in the body, the knee is also very complex and consists of several components that all work together to help us stand, walk, run, jump, and climb. The patella, or kneecap, is located in the front of the joint at the distal end of the femur and rides […]
Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
The Cleveland Clinic reports that knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a very common condition that will affect about 46% of us in our lifetime, usually after age 40. The condition is characterized by the gradual breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint until eventually the bone on either side of the joint rubs together causing […]
Chiropractic Care AFTER Knee Replacement
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most performed operating room procedure in the United States, and the number of surgeries is projected to increase by 400% (to 3.5 million a year) in the next twenty years due to prolonged longevity, the rise in obesity, and increasing rates of osteoarthritis. The surgery itself traumatizes the surrounding […]
Pre-Surgical Actions to Improve Knee Replacement Outcomes
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common chronic disease that frequently affects the knees of the elderly. The condition usually has a slow onset that results in pain, limited mobility, and stiffness due to swelling of the joint capsule, loss of joint space, and for some, joint deformity. Treatment guidelines generally recommend non-surgical options—like chiropractic care—as […]