What is Causing Pain in the Knee and Knee Cap?
Aug 11, 2023 -- Posted by :The knee can be divided in four compartments—the front, inside, back, and outside—which intimately interact with each other. The compartment located in the front of the knee includes the knee cap, the groove in which it slides in, and the muscles that attach to the patella. The patella is the body’s largest “floating bone”. The function of the patella is to act as a kind of pulley that allows the knee to fully and easily extend. This area of the knee is often referred to as the “extensor mechanism”, as it is responsible for allowing the knee to extend or straighten.
When full extension cannot be accomplished, this is referred to as “extension lag.” Extension lag is often caused by weakness of one of the four quadriceps muscles. Exercises that specifically address this problem are very important in regaining the ability of the knee to fully lock out in extension.
Flexion contracture results in a similar inability to fully extend or straighten the knee, but the cause is not due to muscle weakness but rather the shortening or “contracture” of the muscles that flex the knee called the hamstrings, which are located behind the leg and knee. This can happen when patients are bed-bound, and it can become a permanent impairment if the hamstrings are not used or properly stretched on a regular basis.
Another problem associated with the patella is a softening of the cartilage behind the knee cap, which is called chondromalacia patella (CP). One symptom associated CP includes burning pain in the front of the knee, especially when the knee is bent for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms can be very intense but usually improve quickly once the knee is straightened out or the person can stand or walk.
The shape of the patella as well as the shape and depth of the groove in which the knee cap glides can be altered by trauma and/or genetic reasons. This can also predispose the patient to problems in this compartment of the knee. A common genetic example is an excessively knocked knee (technically called genu valgus). This results in disproportionate rubbing of the patella on the outer ridge of the femoral groove, which can be painful.
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with knee pain utilizing manual therapies, modalities, exercise, and orthotics for foot/ankle conditions, as well as the application of braces and/or taping of the knee.
So, if you are experiencing knee pain, kneecap pain, or pain by your knee and you type in pain management near me or chiropractor 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 by someone near you. Kneecap pain can be particularly annoying.
Do I have a muscle strain in the knee or neuropathic pain?
You may be worried about having a meniscus tear 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 in your area 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. Others around you may 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.
Check out what the experts say about chiropractic care for knee pain here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749874/
At Coast Chiropractic Centers we look forward to providing relief to those suffering from any type of pain. Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by on your day off for a walk in visit and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.
If you would like to avoid getting knee pain in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
Schedule Your Appointment Here
Coast Chiropractic Centers Map
Don't let knee pain stop you from enjoying the beautiful SWFL! Dr. Tim Harcourt is here to give you the relief you need.