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Hip & Knee Pain

Image by Matteo Vistocco

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How can Chiropractic 
help with hip & knee pain?

Chiropractic care can play a significant role alleviating hip and knee pain by addressing misalignments in the spine and joints. Through targeted adjustments, chiropractors can improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall function. Additionally, they may recommend specific exercises and lifestyle changes to support long-term relief and prevent future issues. By focusing the root causes of pain, chiropractic treatment can lead to a more active and pain-free.

Common knee conditions

1) Osteoarthritis

  • Cause: Wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint, often due to aging, injury, or repetitive use.

  • Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. The pain usually worsens with activity and improves with rest.

3) Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

  • Cause: Overuse, muscle imbalances, or misalignment of the kneecap (patella), often aggravated by activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs.

  • Symptoms: Pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly when bending the knee, sitting for long periods, or during physical activity.

3) Torn Meniscus

  • Cause: A tear in the meniscus, the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). It can occur due to twisting motions or impact, often during sports.

  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. Some people may also experience a locking or catching sensation.

4) Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL tears)

  • Cause: Injury to the ligaments in the knee, often from sudden movements, twisting, or direct impact. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament, especially in sports like soccer, basketball, or skiing.

  • Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.

5) Tendonitis (Patellar Tendonitis)

  • Cause: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, often due to repetitive jumping or running, common in athletes.

  • Symptoms: Pain just below the kneecap, particularly during activity or when climbing stairs or squatting

Common hip conditions

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1) Osteoarthritis (Hip Osteoarthritis)

  • Cause: Degeneration of the cartilage in the hip joint, leading to bone-on-bone contact. It typically develops with age or following an injury.

  • Symptoms: Pain in the hip, groin, or outer thigh, particularly with movement, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods.

2) Trochanteric Bursitis

  • Cause: Inflammation of the bursa on the outer side of the hip, usually due to repetitive motions, overuse, or pressure from activities like running.

  • Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the hip, which may radiate down the outer thigh. The pain worsens with activity or prolonged sitting or standing.

3) Hip Labral Tear

  • Cause: A tear in the labrum, the cartilage that lines the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. It can occur due to trauma, repetitive motion, or degeneration.

  • Symptoms: Groin pain, hip stiffness, clicking or locking sensations, and difficulty with movement. It may worsen with activities like running or sitting for long periods.

4) Hip Flexor Strain

  • Cause: Overstretching or tearing of the hip flexor muscles, often due to sudden movements, excessive physical activity, or poor conditioning.

  • Symptoms: Pain in the front of the hip or groin, particularly when bending, lifting the leg, or during activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs.

5) Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

  • Cause: Abnormal contact between the bones of the hip joint, which can damage the cartilage and lead to pain or inflammation. FAI often results from structural abnormalities of the hip bones.

  • Symptoms: Groin pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion, especially with activities like sitting, squatting, or bending.

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