in Need?

Dr Luther Moss, Osborne Chiropractic

As the Island gets warmer more of us start to venture out to enjoy activities such as walking, cycling, running, and swimming. Often at this point, people find their mobility restricted by returning or new knee pain. Knee pain is a common issue and a leading cause of immobility and disability. Contrary to common belief, knee pain doesn’t always result in the need for surgery or mean you are on the path to a knee replacement.

Many cases of knee pain are due to faulty mechanics such as weakened or tight muscles or pelvic/spinal misalignment altering your gait pattern. The most common causes of knee pain I see in my practice are from wear and tear (arthritis) or patellar (knee cap) tracking issues.

A diagnosis of arthritis in the knee doesn’t mean you are destined to suffer with knee pain until you have a replacement. The pain from arthritis is often caused by the tightening of surrounding muscles and inflammation of the joint. These can both be helped by hands-on therapy including muscle release, mobilisation of the joint, and implementing a strengthening programme. This combination regularly results in a resolution of the pain and a prolonging of the life of the knee, delaying or removing the need for a replacement.

Patellar tracking issues aka ‘Runner’s Knee’ is commonly the result of poor pelvic alignment or running technique. With correction of spinal alignment, release of tension in tight muscles, and education on knee strengthening this condition often responds quickly.

More severe knee injuries including ligament or meniscal damage can be detected on physical examination and either managed in the practice or, when necessary, a referral for a scan or surgical assessment is made.

As with any injury the faster you get a diagnosis and treatment, the much better the outcome, and the sooner you can return to enjoying your summer activities.

If you’re concerned about your knees or would like advice, feel free to get in touch on info@osborne-chiro.com