Do your knees feel stiff? Do they click and grind as you bend? Chiropractic may be able to help.
As we age our knees, as many of our other joints, can begin to show signs of wear and tear. Statistics show that a growing number of middle-aged patients are now beginning to seek total knee replacement surgery as a solution to their discomfort.
Knee replacement surgeries have more than tripled in the last decade alone. Though there have been many innovative upgrades in the surgical technique as well as the materials used, the surgery is still invasive, expensive, and takes a good while to fully heal and see the benefits.
The good news is that taking a proactive approach with early intervention and a conservative approach to treatment may help avoid surgery at all down the road. Research has supported the idea that chiropractic intervention can help provide natural relief from osteoarthritic knee pain.
Did You Know.............
In several studies that have been conducted the majority of patients receiving chiropractic care from the time of onset pain reported a significant decrease in pain level as well as less grinding upon movement. They reported an increased ability to move throughout their days with flexibility and less pain at the end of the day.
Let's Explore The Causes
Chronic knee pain can often be a result of osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects the joints. Some common causes of chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis include:
Wear and tear: Osteoarthritis / degeneration occurs when the protective cartilage (meniscus) in the joints wears down over time, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Injury: Previous knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and experiencing chronic knee pain.
Overuse: Repeated stress on the knee joint, such as from repetitive activities or sports, can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis / degeneration the cartilage (meniscus) and ongoing pain.
Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, as the joints naturally undergo wear and tear over time.
Genetics: In some cases, there may be a genetic predisposition to developing osteoarthritis, making individuals more prone to chronic knee pain.
Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on the knees, increasing the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis and experiencing ongoing pain.
What Are The Treatment Options To Consider
What stage do you think you fall under?
With chiropractic care, there is no trauma to the body and no need for medications which can produce a huge array of side effects including addiction. Chiropractic is noninvasive and has no side effects. Compare that to surgery, not only is that invasive but it also usually comes with the use of prescription painkillers to help alleviate the pain during the healing phase.
As chiropractors, we help the patient restore normal joint alignment and a more regular gate to their walk. Many times knee pain is the result of altered biomechanics, such as, lower back, and pelvic rotation. Restoring balance to the lumbar spine, hips, and setting the knee to its original position reduces pressure and tension as well as uneven wear and tear on the knee joint allowing the inflammation process to calm down. As inflammation decreases, pain decreased, followed by improved flexibility and mobility.
Regenerative medicine has emerged as a groundbreaking and effective treatment option for individuals dealing with knee pain. Cell therapy, a key component of regenerative medicine, uses cells derived from the patient’s own body or from other sources. These cells can be injected into the affected area of the knee to promote tissue regeneration and repair & have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various types of cells, including cartilage cells, which can help restore damaged knee tissues. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, another regenerative medicine technique, is commonly used to treat knee pain. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate healing and reduce inflammation, promoting the repair of damaged cartilage and alleviating pain. Overall, regenerative medicine provides a treatment option for knee pain, potentially offering long-term relief, improved functionality, and a better quality of life.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. The resulting PRP solution is injected directly into the knee joint, where it can promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The concentrated platelets in PRP release growth factors that stimulate the healing process and help regenerate damaged tissues, including cartilage. This therapy is minimally invasive and has shown positive results in relieving knee pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries. PRP therapy offers a natural and effective alternative to traditional treatments, potentially providing long-lasting relief and improved knee function.
Are You Ready To Be Knee Pain Free?
Debilitating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis can have a profound impact on one’s daily life. It can limit mobility, hinder physical activities, and affect overall quality of life. Ignoring the symptoms and delaying treatment may lead to further deterioration of the joint and increased pain. If you have chronic knee pain as a result of osteoarthritis, call the office of The West Coast Integrative Wellness Center as we are committed to personalized one-on-one treatment, and helping you get better is our top priority.