Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis refers to a degenerative form of arthritis which attacks the joints of the bones. Mostly, it is characterized by tension, pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints. Though nearly all treatment plans entail medications to lessen swelling and inflammation, chiropractic care can provide the best option for the management of this disease. This disease can cause damages to any part of an individual`s body. But, in most cases, the disease affects the joints in the knees, hands, hips & spine. It is important to know more about Osteoarthritis and chiropractic.

Chiropractic Treatment And Knee Pain

Indeed, knee pain is now becoming a common problem in the society. As a result, more people have knee problems today. One of the most common knee complaints is related to osteoarthritis or `wear and tear.` And though a condition like osteoarthritis is not curable, its symptoms can be reduced thanks to my unique treatment approach.

Chiropractic Treatment Is Appropriate If:

• An individual`s knee is limiting his or her sporting or daily activities

• One has been given some painkillers and has been advised to rest with no improvement

• One has been told he or she has arthritis, and there is absolutely nothing that can be done

The Knee Joint

The knee is really a complex joint that relies mostly on muscles and ligaments for stability. The knee is the main weight-bearing joint, and it is made up of:

• Tibio-femoral join—between the thigh and the lower leg

• Patella-femoral—between the thigh and the knee cap

• Ligaments and muscles that give passive and active stability to the knee

• Two ring-shaped cartilage discs in the knee, known as the menisci (singular is meniscus)

Knee Joint Examination

When pain is originating from the knee, the anatomical components should be thorough examined. Apart from the knee joint, the hip, pelvis, low back, ankle, and foot should be examined because of the direct influence that they have on the knee.

As an experienced and knowledgeable chiropractor, I will take a complete medical history of an individual, and then carry out a thorough physical & biomechanical examination to make a precise diagnosis; without a correct diagnosis, the knee treatment won`t be successful. My approach to evaluating and treating an individual`s knee entails the assessment of all other muscles and joints that relate to the knee.

Chiropractic Knee Pain Treatment

The procedure can be modified to suit every patient and their conditions. Therefore, the treatment type that is most suitable for one patient is not necessarily appropriate for another. Here is the treatment process that will give patients an idea of my approach.

Stage 1. Reduce pain and joint inflammation

This involves:

• Avoiding aggravating factors, using support, sports tape

• Ice to lessen inflammation, pain, and muscle spasm

• Soft tissue healing; laser, the ultrasound & interferential therapy

Stage 2. Normalize joint function

This involves:

• Specific chiropractic mobilization and manipulation techniques to all areas of restricted mobility in an individual`s knee, and the surrounding areas—to improve movement, enhance the function, and reduce pain

• Massage of the deep soft tissues, trigger-point therapy & cross-friction

Stage 3. Rehabilitation exercises program

Where it is necessary, I will introduce some exercises to enhance strength, endurance, and stability. I also work on boosting the patient`s balance and his or her sense of joint position—proprioception.

All these will help one to return to his or her normalcy, and prevent new or further injuries.

Woodstock GA