Knee Pain Treatment in Lake Forest, CA
Knee pain does not always mean something serious, but it should not be ignored. As the body changes over time, the knee often feels the impact first. Stiffness, soreness, or reduced movement can develop gradually without a clear injury.
Dr. Jordan Ziegler, DC, and Dr. Ron Merriel, DC, have treated many patients in Lake Forest & Spring Valley with knee pain caused by movement issues, joint stress, and alignment problems. At Go Greenlight Chiropractic, care focuses on understanding how the knee works with the rest of the body and addressing the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms.
Your first visit is focused on listening, careful evaluation, and creating a clear plan that supports safe movement and long-term knee health. Call us or visit the Contact Us page to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Knee Pain Is Often Due To Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS).
It’s a big medical word that describes a painful irritation of the cartilage behind your kneecap.
Although anyone may be affected, it is often the result of overuse of the knee in sports that require jumping or running so it is sometimes referred to as “Runner’s knee”.
The reason why you need to know this is because PFPS is the most common cause of knee pain in the general population. It affects an estimated 25% of adults.
What are the leading causes of PFPS?
One of the most common causes of PFPS is an imbalance between the muscles that help to guide your kneecap in its V-shaped groove at the end of your thigh bone.
Repeatedly flexing and extending a misaligned kneecap leads to pain, swelling and eventually arthritis.
Misalignment of the kneecap (patella) is often secondary to problems in the hip and foot, especially weakness of your gluteal muscles or flat feet.
What Are the Causes Of Knee Pain?
Often, someone with knee pain will likely have arthritis in the area. There is a muscle at the back of the knee, called the popliteal muscle, that can become very tight with knee arthritis. This is part of the body’s mechanism for stabilizing the area.
In most cases, knee arthritis comes from a muscle imbalance. It could also be a problem with the arches in the feet.
How Do We Diagnose the Root Cause of Knee Pain?
At Go Greenlight Chiropractic, diagnosis begins with understanding how your knee moves and how it interacts with the rest of your body. Your evaluation may include:
- Review of injury history and daily activities
- Observation of walking and movement patterns
- Knee range of motion testing
- Muscle strength and flexibility assessment
- Joint alignment evaluation
- Examination of hip and ankle function
- Digital X-rays are used when appropriate to assess joint structure
Dr. Ron Merriel, DC, explains findings clearly so you understand what is contributing to your knee pain.
Dr. Merriel also evaluates muscle imbalance, arch support, and whether tight muscles surrounding the knee may be affecting joint stability and movement.
Types of Knee Pain We Treat
Different knee conditions require different approaches. Common types of knee pain include:
- Anterior knee pain around the kneecap
- Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
- Pain during bending or squatting
- Pain with walking or climbing stairs
- Knee stiffness or reduced mobility
- Knee instability or weakness
Understanding the type and pattern of pain helps guide proper care. Dr. Merriel also commonly treats arthritis, muscle tightness behind the knee, and movement imbalance affecting how the knee tracks during activity.
How Do We Treat Knee Pain?
Conservative chiropractic care, like the type we provide, is generally successful at relieving your symptoms.
Initially, it is important for you to minimize activities that provoke your pain – especially running, jumping and activities that stress you into a “knock-kneed” position. Don’t allow your knees to cross in front of your toes when squatting.
Some athletes may need to modify their activity to include swimming or bicycling instead of running.
Performing your home exercises consistently is one of the most important things that you can do to help realign the patella, relieve pain and prevent a recurrence. The use of home ice or ice massage applied around your kneecap for 10-15 minutes, several times per day may be helpful.
Knee pain Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Andy Santos
After over a year of doctor visits and physical therapy, I hit a plateau and was still in a lot of daily pain. Dr. McDonald’s treatment plan, combined with Natalie’s effective massage therapy...
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Bryn DenHeyer
I originally came here to have my infant daughter treated by Dr. Waters for torticollis. He was a miracle worker! I started having pain and asked if he worked on adults- he did! I saw him a few times...
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Divya Kapoor
Best massage place ever!! Melina's neck and back massages are lifesavers, especially after long hours hunched over a computer. She really knows how to target those tight spots to ease tension...
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Nancy Clinkerbeard
Greenlight Chiropractic is fantastic. From the moment you walk in and they know you by name, Jeremy is an awesome manager, facilitator of your visit and needs. Next get time for Natalie to work on you...
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Sabina Uskenova
I really liked it there!! It’s very calm and nice atmosphere that you can trust. Dr, Waters was very patient and explained everything. He didn’t try to sell me a thousand adjustments as you...
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Sylvia Mireles
Hi!!! I just had my last adjustment with Dr. Waters. He has been a gem, his expertise- his sincerity and super genuineness, has been a bright star as part of my overall healing and amazing experience on this...
Read on GoogleBook an Appointment for Knee Pain Treatment
Scheduling your visit with Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab is simple. You can call our office directly or visit our Contact Us page to connect with the location nearest you and request an appointment.
Our team can help answer questions, guide you through the scheduling process, and help you find a visit time that works best for your schedule.
Knee Pain FAQs
Is chiropractic care safe for Knee Pain?
Yes. Care is gentle and tailored to your condition and comfort level.
Dr. Merriel adjusts treatment based on the patient’s movement limitations, joint condition, and tolerance.
Can chiropractic help chronic knee pain?
Chronic knee pain often involves ongoing movement stress that chiropractic care can address.
Dr. Merriel also evaluates surrounding joints and muscles that may continue to place stress on the knee.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of visits depends on the cause and level of pain.
Treatment length may also vary depending on joint degeneration, muscle imbalance, and activity demands.
Does knee pain treatment hurt?
Treatment is designed to be comfortable and adjusted to your tolerance. Dr. Merriel focuses on improving movement gradually and safely.
Will insurance cover knee pain treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help check your benefits.
When should you see a chiropractor for knee pain?
You should consider care if:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- Movement becomes limited
- Pain worsens with activity
- Swelling or stiffness persists
- Knee pain affects daily tasks
Early evaluation may help identify movement patterns and stress contributing to knee discomfort.
What is the most common cause of knee pain?
Movement imbalance and joint stress are common contributors.
Dr. Merriel also commonly sees knee pain related to arthritis, foot mechanics, and muscle imbalance around the joint.
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?
Many knee pain conditions respond well to conservative care focused on movement and joint function.
Treatment often focuses on improving stability, movement quality, and reducing repeated stress on the knee.
What are the home remedies for knee pain treatment?
At home care may help manage symptoms:
- Rest from aggravating activities
- Ice or heat as tolerated
- Gentle stretching
- Supportive footwear
- Avoid sudden increases in activity
Home care can help comfort, but does not address movement imbalance.
Dr. Merriel may also recommend exercises to strengthen the lower legs, arches, and surrounding muscles that help stabilize the knee.
What are the long-term effects of ignoring knee pain?
Ignoring knee pain may lead to:
- Chronic discomfort
- Reduced mobility
- Joint degeneration
- Compensation injuries in the hips or back
- Reduced activity levels
Early evaluation supports long-term knee function.
What Are The Symptoms Of PFPS?
PFPS produces a dull pain behind the kneecap. It is aggravated by:
- Prolonged walking
- Running
- Squatting
- Jumping
- Stair climbing
- Arising from a seated position.
The pain can be aggrevated by walking downhill or down stairs. Longstanding misalignment can cause damage to the cartilage, which results in popping, grinding or giving way.
