Pain in the top of the knee is a common complaint. In fact, knee pain along is very common due to the weight-bearing nature of these joints. Your knees carry you through each day and enable you to perform various activities—from walking to running.
But maybe that pain has become something you can no longer ignore. Below, we explore the common causes of pain on the top of the knee and how chiropractic care may be able to help you find relief.
Top of Knee Pain Causes
Here are some of the most common reasons you might be experiencing pain at the top of your knee:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Also known as “runner’s knee,” this condition occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t track properly along the groove of the thighbone (femur). This misalignment can cause pain and discomfort, especially when climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods.
Quadriceps Tendinitis
The quadriceps tendon connects your thigh muscles to your kneecap. When this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, it can lead to pain at the top of the knee, particularly during activities that involve extending the leg.
Patellar Tendinitis
Similar to quadriceps tendinitis, patellar tendinitis affects the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This condition, often called “jumper’s knee,” can cause pain just below the kneecap and is common in athletes who perform frequent jumping or running activities.
Referred Pain from the Spine
Sometimes, what feels like knee pain may actually originate from issues in the lower back or hip. Misalignments in the spine can affect the nerves that run down to the knee, causing pain or discomfort that seems to be coming from the knee itself.
Osteoarthritis
As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. When this occurs in the knee joint, it can cause pain at the top of the knee, especially during weight-bearing activities or after periods of inactivity.
Can Chiropractic Care Help?
While many people associate chiropractic care primarily with back pain, the truth is that chiropractors are trained to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including knee pain. So, here’s how chiropractic care may be able to help!
Spinal Alignment and Nervous System Function
The foundation of chiropractic care lies in ensuring proper spinal alignment and optimal nervous system function. Your spine houses the spinal cord, which is a crucial part of your central nervous system. When your spine is misaligned, it can interfere with the normal function of your nervous system, potentially leading to pain and discomfort in various parts of the body, including the knees.
A skilled chiropractor will assess your entire body, not just the area of pain. They may discover that misalignments in your lower back, pelvis, or even your neck could be contributing to your knee pain. By performing precise adjustments to correct these misalignments, a chiropractor can help restore proper nervous system function and potentially alleviate your knee pain.
Improved Biomechanics
Your body functions as an interconnected system, and issues in one area can affect others. Misalignments in your spine or pelvis can alter your gait and how you distribute weight when walking or standing. This can put extra stress on your knees, leading to pain and discomfort.
Chiropractic adjustments can help improve your overall biomechanics, ensuring that your body moves more efficiently and with less strain on your knees. By addressing these underlying issues, chiropractic care may help reduce the stress on your knees and alleviate pain.
Holistic Approach to Pain Management
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to health and wellness, considering how all parts of your body work together. This comprehensive perspective allows them to identify and address potential contributing factors to your knee pain that you might not have considered.
For example, a chiropractor might discover that tension in your hip flexors or imbalances in your pelvic alignment is putting extra stress on your knees. By addressing these issues through spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques, they can help create a more balanced, pain-free state throughout your body.
Non-Invasive Treatment Option
One of the key benefits of chiropractic care for knee pain is that it offers a non-invasive treatment option. Unlike surgery or some other medical interventions, chiropractic adjustments don’t require incisions or long recovery periods. This makes it an attractive option for many people looking to address their knee pain without resorting to more invasive procedures.
Take the Next Step Towards Pain-Free Living
If you’re experiencing top of knee pain and are curious about whether chiropractic care could help, it’s time to take action. Your local Plano chiropractor is ready to provide a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. At Keystone Chiropractic, we’re ready to help. Book your appointment today!
