Knee Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention
Overview
Knee pain can be the result of an injury, such as a torn cartilage or ruptured ligament. It’s a common complaint that can affect people of all ages. Medical conditions including gout, arthritis, and infections can cause knee pain. Several types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures.
Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and knee braces can help relieve knee pain. Keep in mind that your knee may require surgical repair in some cases.
At Advanced Health Solutions Medical Center, Woodstock, Georgia, we highly recommend chiropractic care because it identifies and addresses the source of the underlying issue(s) causing knee pain. Dr. Kal, our top chiropractor, can offer you the best chiropractic care to relieve your knee pain.
Symptoms
The severity and location of knee pain may vary depending on the cause of the problem. Below are some signs and symptoms that may accompany knee pain:
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Popping or crunching noises
- Swelling and stiffness
- Weakness or instability
Causes
Injuries, types of arthritis, mechanical problems, and other problems can cause knee pain.
When To See A Doctor/Chiropractor
See your Woodstock doctor if you:
- Feel as if your knee “gives out,” or it’s unstable
- Have marked knee swelling
- Have a fever, in addition to swelling, pain, and redness in your knee
- Cannot bear weight on your knee
- Are unable to flex or extend your knee fully
- See an obvious deformity in your knee or leg
Advanced Health Solutions Medical center offers chiropractic care that can play an imperative role in diagnosing and caring for the underlying cause of the knee pain.
Risk Factors
The following are some of the factors that can increase your risk of having knee problems:
- Lack of muscle strength or flexibility – Weak or tight muscles provide less support for your knee since they do not absorb sufficient amount of the stress exerted on the joint. A lack of flexibility and strength are among the leading causes of knee injuries.
- Excess weight – Being obese or overweight accelerates the breakdown of joint cartilage; thus, putting you at increased risk of osteoarthritis. It also increases stress on your knee joints, even during ordinary activities such as going up and down stairs or walking.
- Previous injury – You’re more likely to injure your knee again if you have a previous knee injury.
- Certain sports – Basketball’s jumps and pivots, alpine skiing with its rigid ski boots and potential for falls, and the repeated pounding your knees take when you jog or run all increase your risk of knee injury. Some sports put higher stress on your knees than do others.
Having a knee injury —even a minor one— makes it more likely that you will have similar injuries in the future. Not all knee pain is severe. However, some knee injuries and medical conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause joint damage, increasing pain, and even disability if left untreated.
So, if you’re suffering from knee pain, call us today at 770-926-9495 to book an appointment.
