Knee Pain Relief In Pittsburgh PA
Living With Knee Pain
Living with knee pain can lead to a poor quality of life. Let’s face it, your knees aren’t as young as they used to be. And playing with the kids or grandkids isn’t any easier either. Maybe your knee pain prevents you from walking, going up and down stairs, or doing extended standing.
For some people, they had to give up their favorite hobbies (like golf, bowling, or playing in their garden). Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically being held back from life because your knee hurts and the pain just won’t go away.
The immobility caused by chronic knee pain can ruin one’s quality of life. Simple things like going to the grocery store, running errands, traveling, going up and down the stairs, housework, maintaining your property, cooking, yard work, and being able to engage in projects become troublesome to impossible. Some people feel they need to find a close parking spot when they go out to eat (to minimize the number of steps they have to walk). For others, it feels like their independence is being stripped away.
Do You Have Any of the Following?
- Arthritis
- Knee Pain
- Cartilage Damage
- Tendonitis
- Torn Meniscus
- Bone on Bone
- Crunching & Popping Sounds
- Bursitis
The Medical Approach
When you go to a medical physician for your knee pain, the most common treatments offered are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), cortisone shots, or a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. There are drawbacks to this. Drugs do not fix or cure chronic knee pain. They only mask the symptoms. There are also a lot of undesirable side effects. The pills can be damaging to the liver, kidneys, stomach, and brain. And the cortisone can cause an increase in blood pressure, an increase in blood sugars (critically important to diabetics), and suppresses the immune system.
Surgery is invasive, risky, very painful, and can have a 6 – 18 month duration of recovery and downtime. It also only works 50% of the time. There is a better way. But let’s first get a closer glimpse into the knee & understand how it works.
The Bones of the Knee
The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It is a hinged joint, which mainly allows for flexion and extension (and a small degree of medial and lateral rotation). It is formed by articulations between the femur, tibia, and patella. The shape of the knee joint means that it is relatively weak, and so it relies on muscles and ligaments to ensure stability.
The Muscles of the Knee
There are muscles that control extension (the quadriceps on the front of the thigh), muscles that control flexion (the hamstrings on the back of the thigh), and one special muscle (the popliteus) which unlocks the knee. For optimal function, these muscles need to be strong and appropriately stimulated by the nervous system.
Ligaments of the Knee
There are four main ligaments in the knee joint:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): This ligament is located in the center of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. It is responsible for stabilizing the knee and preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): This ligament is located in the center of the knee and also connects the femur to the tibia. It is responsible for stabilizing the knee and preventing excessive backward movement of the tibia.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): This ligament is located on the inner side of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. It provides stability to the inner part of the knee and prevents the knee from buckling inward.
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): This ligament is located on the outer side of the knee and connects the femur to the fibula (a smaller bone in the lower leg). It provides stability to the outer part of the knee and prevents the knee from buckling outward.
The Meniscus
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and cushion between the bones in the knee joint. There are two menisci in each knee, one on the inner side (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus). The menisci are located between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) and help to distribute the weight of the body evenly across the knee joint.
Getting Help For Your Knee Problems
Consultation
The first thing we need to do is to gather some information about your problem. During the consultation, the doctor will review your medical history, and explore all of the parameters regarding your condition. We’ll review the quality and severity of your problem, and discover if there are any additional issues that need to be considered.
Examination & Diagnosis
To determine the severity, extent, and type of your knee pain problem, we need to do an examination of your knee(s). Orthopedic, neurological, functional range of motion and muscle testing are all done. After that, Dr. Smith will be able to diagnose the problem, give you a prognosis, and determine what would be the most appropriate course of care.
Knee Pain Treatments
The most effective therapies and treatments for chronic knee pain will be prescribed based on the results of the consultation and examination. Your therapeutic trial may consist of corrective chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue treatments (such as Trigenics & Graston), laser therapy, pulse wave therapy, rehabilitation, and supportive bracing. The Doctor may also prescribe herbal or botanical anti-inflammatory supplements. These therapies do not hurt and are very effective at giving long-lasting relief from your toughest pain.
The place to start is by calling us and booking a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of knee pain?
In the absence of trauma, chronic knee pain is due to arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, abnormal lower extremity issues (such as biomechanical problems in the foot & ankle, hip problems, an unlevel pelvis, and lumbar spine problems), and usual wear and tear.
What is bursitis of the knee?
The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that functions as a cushion or shock absorber in certain joints (like the knee). When these fluid-filled sacs become irritated and inflamed, it is called bursitis.
What can I do to relieve knee pain?
There are many non-invasive treatments available that can relieve knee pain. For example, chiropractic, laser, supportive knee braces, pulse wave, and rehabilitative exercises are all time-tested methods that have an excellent record of success.
How long does it take to get relief from knee pain?
Knee pain can be reduced in as little as two treatments. But please keep in mind: It took time for the problem to develop. Naturally, it’s going to take some time for us to unwind your problem.
What can cause knee pain without injury?
Knee pain can be caused by arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and any other kind of chronic inflammation. The root cause of the problem may not be apparent.
How do I know if I tore my meniscus?
A torn meniscus may be involved when you experience pain, especially after twisting or rotating the knee, having problems straightening the knee, or if your knee is locked up.