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Patella tendonitis (tendon inflammation) is a common condition which affects the tendon that connects the patella (kneecap) to the shin bone. The condition frequently occurs in athletes whose sports involve a lot of jumping (e.g. volleyball and basketball) hence the name “Jumper’s knee”. Patella tendonitis can, however, also occur in those who don’t participate in any jumping sports.
Tendon damage in patella tendonitis is largely a result of increased tendon strain and overload which occurs for two primary reasons:
Other factors, such as nutrition, have also been shown to play a role in tendon injuries. Diets that are high in simple sugars and refined oils and low in fruit and vegetables reduce tendon resilience.
The Iliotibial Band (ITB) is a strong, dense, connective tissue that runs down the side of the leg. As the knee bends the ITB band is
compressed into the side of the femur. If this compression is increased excessively it can lead to ITB syndrome pain. ITB syndrome is very
common in runners, especially those with high arches or with leg length asymmetry. Hip strengthening and manual therapy (chiropractic or
physiotherapy) has been shown to be very effective in treating ITB syndrome.
Many structures in and around the knee are capable of causing pain. The muscles, cartilage, meniscus and ligaments are all common sources of knee pain. However, unless the pain is due to traumatic injury (such as a blow to the knee) most knee pain is caused by dysfunction that is distant from the knee joint itself (e.g. foot or hip problems). These distant dysfunctions can result in the knee having to compensate, often leading to increased strain on the knee and eventually pain. Although managing the injured knee tissue is important, only by addressing the distant dysfunction will complete and long lasting relief be achieved.
Knee arthritis (osteoarthritis) is very common in older populations and results from a progressive breakdown of the protective cartilage in the joint. This leads to knee pain, knee stiffness, loss of motion and, in more severe cases, difficulty walking.
Traditionally, knee arthritis has been considered a “wear and tear” disease process. It was thought to develop solely due to increased strain on the knee joint from some form of knee injury (e.g. a car accident) or daily micro-injury from poor mechanics or over-use.
However, more recent research suggests that this may not be the complete picture. New evidence is showing that knee arthritis is not the same disease process in every case and many other factors are involved. Inflammation, obesity, nutrition, hormone imbalance and autoimmunity have been shown to play a role in certain patients with knee arthritis. Treatment of knee arthritis should include manual techniques (such as chiropractic or physiotherapy) and strengthening, alongside the management of any underlying causes (e.g. increased inflammation, weight gain, poor nutrition etc.).
Find out how Treatment at Dynamic Health could help.
I was recommended to see Katie by my daughter I as had pain in my knee which affected my mobility. After several sessions the pain in my
knee had gone completely & I was able to walk down a steep step without holding on to somebody, which I had struggled with before
treatment. I now only need to see Katie a couple of times a year by way of an MOT.
I particularly liked Katie’s approach and how she listened to me and tailored the treatment accordingly. I wouldn’t hesitate in
recommending chiropractic treatment particularly with Katie. Katie is an extremely professional, knowledgeable and personable chiropractor, I
just wish I’d met her years ago! My daughters and grandchildren have all been treated and all continue with routine chiropractic treatment
as they find regular check-ups keep them mobile.
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