A Coast Chiropractic Centers Patient Asks Me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, "Why Does The Inside Of My Knee Hurt."? The Origin of Knee Pain – The Medial Compartment.
Jul 23, 2021 -- Posted by :The four compartments of the knee (anterior/front, medial/inside, posterior/back, and lateral/outside) are like dominos. Meaning, when one is injured, the others “start to fall.” This is due to compensatory changes in function—when one compartment is problematic, this places added strain or stress to another compartment (s). Hence, managing knee conditions often requires work on multiple compartments.
The medial/inside compartment of the knee includes muscle, tendon, ligament, and medial meniscus, or “cartilage” attachments. These attachments connect to the top of the tibia/shin bone and/or the end of the femur/thigh bone. The ligaments are strong, non-elastic bands that hold the joint together while the muscles and their attaching tendons move the joint.
Movements of the knee joint include primarily flexion and extension (bending and straightening the leg at the knee). When something “blocks” the knee from fully straightening, an individual may change their gait pattern, possibly walking with a noticeable limp. The meniscus, or fibroelastic cartilage, lies between the ends of the femur and tibia, and when torn or frayed, it can cause the inability to “lock” the joint or to fully extend.
The medial compartment includes the medial collateral ligament, which “checks” the joint from moving excessively inward. Injuries occur when the force is directed to the outside of the knee, such as when a football player is tackled from the side with his foot planted on the ground. Because some of the medial menisci attach to the medial collateral ligament, a tear occurring in one often involves a tear of the other.
Moving to the middle of the knee joint, the two ligaments that “check” the joint from front to back are called the cruciate ligaments—specifically, the anterior (front) and posterior (back) cruciates. Injuries to these often occur when excessive force occurs from the front or back of the knee, such as a sudden deceleration when trying to stop when running down a hill.
Due to the intimate relationship between the four compartments, most knee injuries affect multiple structures. For example, the classic tackle from the side can not only tear the medial collateral ligament but the medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament can be injured as well.
Doctors of chiropractic manage many knee conditions using a combination of joint manipulation, mobilization, different modalities, bracing, and exercise training.
So, if you are experiencing knee pain and you type in pain management near me, and you find that Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, what is wrong with my knee?
Pain in the knee or pain on the knee is a problem that needs attention. Kneecap pain can be particularly annoying.
Do I have a muscle strain in the knee or neuropathic pain?
You may be worried about a torn meniscus or a Baker’s cyst or kneecap pain.
Pain in the knee or pain on the knee is concerning for sure. Some who may be concerned about neuropathy may be concerned if this is neuropathic pain. Many who have been diagnosed with neuropathy have been on high-dosage chemicals and wonder why their knee pain remains persistent. Pickleball, golf, and tennis are common sports to cause knee pain. Some try strong chemicals to no avail. Some have tried applying chemical gel to the affected area with temporary relief at best.
As a last resort, some type in pain management to find relief. Hopefully, you won’t have a torn meniscus but if you do it doesn’t mean surgery is your only option. Obviously, most want to avoid a knee replacement. Sometimes it can be a patellar tendon irritation easily resolved with conservative non-surgical treatment. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitate a visit to see a professional before it becomes a surgical case.
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or first Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.