Every step hurts, climbing stairs is a challenge, and even sitting for a long time with a bent knee feels uncomfortable. Knee pain can significantly impede your daily activities and considerably reduce your quality of life. Additionally, it can be a signal of an underlying problem that deserves attention, such as meniscus issues.
Different causes of knee pain
Knee pain can have many causes. Osteoarthritis is especially common in older people and causes an aching pain that worsens with movement. Overuse often leads to inflammation of the tendons, such as jumper’s knee. Ligament injuries, like a torn cruciate ligament, cause acute, severe pain with swelling and instability.
Among all these possible causes, there’s one that occurs frequently but isn’t always immediately recognised: meniscus problems. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in your knee. When it becomes damaged, it can lead to specific symptoms.
Symptoms that indicate meniscus problems
How do you know if your knee pain is caused by a meniscus problem? One of the most common symptoms is a sharp pain on the inside or outside of the knee, especially during twisting movements. Many people describe a ‘clicking sensation’ or actually hear a clicking sound during certain movements.
Swelling often develops gradually, within 24-48 hours after an injury. A feeling of ‘locking up’ is very characteristic – your knee feels as if it cannot fully extend or bend. You may also experience instability or a feeling that your knee might ‘give way’ during certain movements.
If you recognize these symptoms, it’s important to take action. A meniscus injury doesn’t always heal on its own and without proper treatment can lead to further damage.
What can you do about meniscus problems?
When suspecting meniscus problems, seeking professional help is the most important first step.
Chiropractic care is a particularly effective approach for knee complaints, but is often unjustly overlooked. Where an orthopedist or physiotherapist often focuses solely on the knee, a chiropractor examines the entire musculoskeletal system. This holistic approach is essential for identifying and treating the real cause of your knee pain, not just the symptoms.
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How can chiropractic care help with meniscus problems?
At Avant-Garde Chiropractic, we begin with a thorough evaluation of your complaints. Chiropractic treatment can include various techniques. Joint manipulations can help improve the mobility of the knee joint. Soft tissue therapy can reduce tension in the muscles around the knee.
Additionally, we can prescribe specific exercises to improve stability and strength around the knee joint. We also provide advice on how to adapt your daily activities.
An important advantage of chiropractic care is that it’s a non-invasive treatment option. Before considering surgical interventions, chiropractic care can offer an effective conservative treatment.
If you suspect you have meniscus problems, don’t wait until the pain gets worse. Contact us for an appointment and let us help you move pain-free again!