Knee pain treatment

Available at Lake Forest, San Diego, and Spring Valley

Knee pain is aching, stiffness or pain around the kneecap or joint, often from muscle imbalance, arthritis, overuse or how the hips and feet move. Chiropractic care may help by looking at the whole leg, then using gentle adjustments, targeted exercises and, when needed, custom orthotics to reduce stress on the knee.

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Why knees hurt

Knee pain does not always mean something serious, but it should not be ignored. As the body changes over time, the knee often feels it first. Stiffness, soreness or reduced movement can develop gradually without a clear injury.

Our chiropractors see many people with knee pain caused by movement problems, joint stress and alignment. Care focuses on how the knee works with the rest of your body and on the cause of the pain, not just the symptoms. Your first visit is about listening, careful evaluation and a clear plan for safe movement.

Patellofemoral pain: a common cause

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is irritation of the cartilage behind the kneecap. Anyone can develop it, but it often comes from overuse in sports with running or jumping, which is why it is sometimes called runner’s knee. It is one of the most common causes of knee pain.

A common cause is an imbalance between the muscles that guide the kneecap in its groove at the end of the thigh bone. Bending and straightening the knee over and over with the kneecap tracking poorly can lead to pain, swelling and, over time, wear in the joint.

Poor kneecap tracking often starts at the hip or foot, especially with weak buttock muscles or flat feet.

Other causes of knee pain

Many people with knee pain have some arthritis in the joint. The popliteus, a small muscle at the back of the knee, can become very tight with knee arthritis as the body tries to stabilize the area.

Muscle imbalance around the knee, and problems with the arches of the feet, can add stress to the joint and contribute to arthritis-related pain.

How we find the cause

Diagnosis starts with how your knee moves and how it works with the rest of your body. Your evaluation may include:

  • Your injury history and daily activities
  • How you walk and move
  • Knee range of motion
  • Muscle strength and flexibility
  • Joint alignment
  • Hip and ankle function
  • X-rays when clinically needed to check the joint

Your chiropractor also checks for muscle imbalance, arch support and tight muscles around the knee that may be affecting how stable it is, and explains clearly what is contributing to your pain.

Types of knee pain we see

Different knee problems need different approaches. Common patterns include:

  • Pain at the front of the knee, around the kneecap
  • Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
  • Pain when bending or squatting
  • Pain with walking or climbing stairs
  • Stiffness or reduced movement
  • A knee that feels unstable or weak

Understanding the type and pattern of your pain helps guide care. We also commonly see arthritis, tight muscles behind the knee and imbalances that affect how the knee tracks during activity.

How we treat knee pain

Conservative care is often a good first step. Care may include gentle adjustments to the feet, ankles and knees to help everything move well, soft tissue work, and specific exercises such as side steps, walking backward and strengthening the shins, quadriceps and hamstrings to stabilize the joint as it heals. If your arches are part of the problem, we may suggest arch-strengthening exercises or custom orthotics.

Early on it helps to limit activities that provoke your pain, especially running, jumping and anything that pushes your knees inward. When squatting, keep your knees from moving forward past your toes. Some athletes swap running for swimming or cycling for a while.

Doing your home exercises consistently is one of the most important things you can do to help the kneecap track well, ease pain and prevent the problem returning. Ice or ice massage around the kneecap for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day may also help.

Shoes and feet

Your feet set up how your knees move. Worn-out or unsupportive shoes, or flat arches, can let the knees roll inward with each step. Your chiropractor checks your feet and footwear and may suggest supportive shoes, arch exercises or custom orthotics.

Care that may be part of your plan

Your chiropractor recommends care after your exam. Some therapies are offered only at certain offices.

Book a visit for knee pain

Knee pain is treated at all 3 Greenlight offices.

Your questions,
answered

About knee pain care at Greenlight.

Is chiropractic care safe for knee pain?

Care is gentle and suited to your condition and comfort. Your chiropractor adjusts treatment to your movement limits, the state of the joint and how you respond.

Can chiropractic help long-standing knee pain?

Long-standing knee pain often involves ongoing movement stress, which care can address. Your chiropractor also checks the hips, ankles, feet and muscles that may keep stressing the knee.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the cause and how much pain you have, and on joint wear, muscle imbalance and your activity demands. Your chiropractor will explain your plan after the exam.

Does knee pain treatment hurt?

Treatment is designed to be comfortable and adjusted to your tolerance, improving movement gradually and safely.

Will insurance cover knee pain treatment?

Coverage varies by plan. All three offices accept Medicare, VA and most major insurance plans. We do not accept Medi-Cal. Our team can help check your benefits.

When should I see a chiropractor for knee pain?

Consider an evaluation if pain lasts more than a few days, movement becomes limited, pain worsens with activity, swelling or stiffness persists, or knee pain affects daily tasks. A knee that is suddenly very swollen, hot or cannot bear weight after an injury should be seen by a medical doctor first.

What is the most common cause of knee pain?

Muscle imbalance and joint stress are common contributors. We also often see knee pain linked to arthritis and to how the feet move.

Can knee pain be treated without surgery?

Many knee problems respond well to conservative care focused on movement and joint function, improving stability and reducing repeated stress on the knee. Your chiropractor will tell you if a referral is needed.

What can I do at home for knee pain?

Rest from activities that aggravate it, use ice or heat as tolerated, stretch gently, wear supportive shoes and avoid sudden increases in activity. Home care helps comfort but does not correct muscle imbalance, so your chiropractor may give you exercises for the lower legs, arches and the muscles that stabilize the knee.

What happens if knee pain is ignored?

It can lead to ongoing discomfort, reduced movement, more wear in the joint, extra strain on the hips or back as you compensate, and doing less of what you enjoy.

What are the symptoms of patellofemoral pain?

A dull ache behind the kneecap that worsens with long walks, running, squatting, jumping, stairs, getting up from a chair or going downhill. Over time poor tracking can damage cartilage and cause popping, grinding or a feeling of the knee giving way.

Should I keep running with knee pain?

It depends on the cause. Many runners do better with a short break or reduced distance while they strengthen the hips and legs, then a gradual return. Your chiropractor will help you plan it.