Chiropractic Care for Knee Arthritis

Arthritis in the knee is painful and debilitating. Chiropractic care provides natural treatment options to ease knee pain caused by arthritis.

Chiropractic care for arthritis helps reduce pain and improve joint function by using safe, non-invasive techniques to restore range of motion and mobility. Chiropractors are specially trained to evaluate the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. 

During an assessment, they will look for restrictions in movement that may be causing pain or discomfort in the joints. Chiropractors may use hands-on adjustments, soft tissue massage, exercise for strength and range of motion, stretching, and lifestyle modifications to improve joint function and help manage chronic pain associated with arthritis. 

Chiropractic care can also help reduce inflammation around the joints by stimulating blood flow to the affected area. This can provide pain relief, reduce swelling, and offer long-term benefits by helping to preserve joint function and slowing the progression of arthritis. Additionally, chiropractic care helps restore balance in the body, improving overall well-being and quality of life. 

Understanding Arthritis in the Knee

Arthritis in the knee is a common condition that can cause pain and stiffness. It involves inflammation of the joint, which causes damage over time. 

Symptoms of arthritis in the knee may include: 

• Swelling of the joint
• Difficulty standing up or walking
• Pain when bending or straightening the leg

Depending on the type and severity of arthritis in the knee, treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, and occasionally surgery. Speaking with a healthcare professional about the most effective treatment plan for your condition is important.

Several different factors can cause arthritis in the knee. It is crucial to identify the specific cause to develop proper treatment and management strategies.

The most common cause of arthritis in the knee is age-related wear and tear. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the ends of bones in the knee joint wears away, leading to pain and inflammation. 

Other causes of arthritis in the knee include gout, trauma, viruses or bacteria, and metabolic disorders. 

In some cases, the cause of arthritis in the knee may be unclear. This is known as “idiopathic” arthritis and can involve several factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, age, and other health conditions. Regardless of the cause, it is essential to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment for your condition to manage your symptoms and possibly slow the progression of arthritis in the knee.

Types of Arthritis that Affect the Knee

There are two main types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can cause long-term disability if left untreated.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis, affecting up to 10 percent of adults over 60. It occurs when protective cartilage between the knee bones starts to break down. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling in the joint, and reduced range of motion. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder caused by inflammation in the joints. It is more common among women than men and involves damage or destruction of the tissue around the knee joint. Symptoms include severe pain, joint deformity, and difficulty with everyday activities. 

Post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disorder that occurs when a joint has sustained an injury or trauma, such as a fracture, dislocation, sprain, or strain. The damage to the joint causes inflammation and swelling, which can lead to cartilage degradation and the onset of osteoarthritis. 

Post-traumatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body but is most common in the knee, hip, and ankle joints. Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness around the affected joint
• Decreased range of motion
• Deformity or instability of the joint
• Reduced quality of life due to limited mobility

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis has several symptoms associated with it. These can include swelling, stiffness, and pain in the knee joint. The affected area may also be tender to the touch. In some cases, there may be difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to pain and instability. 

Other common signs are creaking noises from the knee when bending or extending it and reduced range of motion. People may also experience a grinding sensation when the knee is in motion. 

In some cases, there may be fluid accumulation in the joint and visible changes in its shape due to damage to the cartilage. It is important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on their condition. 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

Treating Knee Arthritis with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors treat knee arthritis using a variety of treatments and techniques. These may include: 

• Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion in the affected knee joint. They can also help decrease inflammation around the joints. 
• Ultrasound therapy can reduce swelling, increase circulation, and encourage healing. 
• Manual manipulation is used to adjust the knee joint to restore normal movement and alignment. 
• Deep tissue massage can improve the range of motion and reduce stiffness in the affected area. 
• Stretching exercises may be prescribed to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and reduce strain on the joint. 
• Joint mobilization helps realign the knee joint, reducing pain and improving the range of motion. Electrical stimulation can relieve pain and encourage healing in the affected area. 

All these treatments are designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and encourage healing in the knee joint.

Conclusion

At its core, chiropractic care for arthritis focuses on providing natural, non-invasive treatments that can help alleviate chronic pain and improve joint mobility. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to treat knee arthritis and can help ease the pain and improve overall function.

With regular treatment from a chiropractor specializing in arthritis, you can expect improved movement and reduced inflammation in the joint area, as well as long-term benefits such as slowing the progression of arthritis.

If you have knee arthritis, contact Accident Care Chiropractic or your local chiropractor.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.