Knee Pain Treatment Center In Naperville – Non Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain!

Specific knee conditions are diagnosed with first knowing the mechanism of injury whether it was something traumatic or pain over time. The location of the pain along and the presence of swelling and discoloration can help figure out what has happened. Popping or grinding sounds or sensations may also help to narrow down the condition. X-ray can help see if there is any degeneration of the bone. In more severe cases, an MRI is needed to access the severity of the damage to a tendon or the meniscus.

• The most common disease process is Knee Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease of the knee. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), knee degeneration or knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in adults. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is loss of the articular cartilage. It’s most commonly found in older adults but will not exclude a younger person depending on the activity level and/or previous injuries. Onset of pain usually gets worse with activity and often presents with stiffness and swelling.
• A Knee Sprain occurs when there is an overstretch or tear of one or more of the four ligaments.  The severity of the tear is graded from 1-3. The higher the number, the more severe the sprain with grade 3 being a complete tear. A common knee sprain will present with pain, stiffness, swelling. A higher grade of sprain can display discoloration and a feeling like it will give out and be considered unstable.
• Meniscus Injuries occur when there is a twisting or hyperextension injury.  When the meniscus is torn, it can present as pain, swelling, stiffness, a catching feeling, and can also feel like the knee is giving out.
• Jumper’s Knee is a common term that refers to patellar tendonitis. This refers to inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the lower leg. It is caused by repetitive stress such as jumping. It presents as pain or tenderness under the kneecap and pain when bending or straightening the leg.
• Runner’s Knee is also known in medical terms as patellofemoral pain syndrome and/or chondromalacia patella. Both conditions are caused by constant bending of the knee. These repetitive movements can also include activities such as biking, jumping, skiing, etc. Pain presents in front or underneath the kneecap during whatever overuse knee activity. Pain going downhill or down stairs is also common.

Trauma – A direct blow to the knee or a sudden twist can cause damage to ligaments, tendons, or the bone. The knee is vulnerable to force in all directions.

Overuse activities – Examples of overuse injuries can occur with kneeling, bending, lifting/carrying heavy loads, and being overweight.

Repetitive motions – The most common overuse injuries are usually sports related. The consistent bending and extending motions done in marathons and sports such as soccer or football create stress in the structures resulting in small tears and other damage.

Unbalanced pelvis – An unbalanced pelvis will occur due bad postures such as crossing the legs, sleeping with legs in awkward positions, falls to the low back, or anatomical/functional short legs.

Ou Clinic can help reduce knee pain through many different treatments and therapies that can help mobilize, stabilize, reduce inflammation, and increase joint space. Excluding complete tears of the ligaments or tendons, chiropractic care offers a safe and non-invasive way to decrease pain and help to stabilize an injured knee joint. Effective Treatments for Knee Pain include:

Softwave Therapy – Softwave therapy is a Breakthrough FDA cleared treatment that turns off the inflammatory process and jump starts healing by activating stem cell and increasing blood flow to the affected area!  This is the fastest way to recover from pain and Inflammation.

Acupuncture– Acupuncture can help with knee pain and inflammation but stimulating th body’s own healing.

Chiropractic Adjustments – Chiropractic adjustments to the knee will mobilize a stiff knee joint directly. Manipulations to an unbalanced pelvis will help to distribute your weight evenly. This unlevel weight distribution contributes to abnormal wearing of the knee joint.

Knee Decompression Therapy – Knee decompression is a treatment used to help reduce pain, increase function, and promote healing. This treatment mechanically separates the thigh bone and the shinbone taking pressure off structures such as the meniscus.

K Laser Therapy – K laser therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation, while also accelerate tissue healing and strengthen bone.

Other therapies included in treatment of knee pain include a stretching/strengthening exercise protocol, power plate strengthening, kinesiotaping to help stabilize the joint, cryotherapy to reduce inflammation, and electrical stimulation and a TENS unit to help reduce pain.