The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It bears the full weight of your body and absorbs significant impact during everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and exercising. Because of this, knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care — affecting an estimated 25% of adults at any given time.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can stem from a wide variety of conditions, ranging from acute injuries to chronic degenerative diseases:
Injuries
- ACL/MCL/PCL tears — Ligament injuries often caused by sudden twisting movements during sports
- Meniscus tears — The meniscus is the cartilage disc between the thigh and shin bones; tears are common in athletes and older adults
- Patellar tendinitis — Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, common in runners and cyclists
- Bursitis — Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint
- Fractures — A direct blow or fall can crack or break bones around the knee
Chronic Conditions
- Osteoarthritis — The most common form of knee arthritis, involving cartilage breakdown
- Rheumatoid arthritis — An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (Runner's Knee) — Pain under and around the kneecap due to tracking issues
- Iliotibial band syndrome — Tightness of the IT band causing lateral knee pain
Symptoms to Watch For
Knee symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but commonly include:
- Swelling and stiffness around the joint
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Weakness or instability — the feeling that your knee may give out
- Popping or crunching noises during movement
- Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
When to Seek Care
Not all knee pain requires urgent attention, but you should seek evaluation promptly if you experience significant swelling, inability to bear weight, a popping sound at the time of injury, or pain that has persisted for more than a few days without improvement.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Knee Pain
Chiropractic care is highly effective for many types of knee pain — particularly those related to joint mechanics, muscle imbalances, and soft tissue dysfunction. At ChiroFit Miami, Dr. Zeaiter takes a whole-body approach, understanding that knee pain is often connected to issues in the hips, pelvis, or feet that alter the way load is distributed through the knee.
Joint Manipulation & Mobilization
Gentle manipulation of the knee, hip, and foot joints restores proper alignment and movement. When these joints are properly aligned, the knee absorbs force the way it was designed to — reducing pain and preventing further damage.
Laser Therapy for Knee Pain
Class IV laser therapy is one of the most effective tools available for knee pain. Laser energy penetrates deep into the joint, reducing inflammation and stimulating cellular repair. Patients with knee osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, and tendinitis often experience significant relief after just a few sessions.
Shockwave Therapy
For chronic knee conditions involving tendon damage or scar tissue, shockwave therapy delivers focused acoustic pressure waves that break down scar tissue and stimulate new collagen formation. This promotes healing in tissues that have poor blood supply and struggle to heal on their own.
Rehabilitative Exercise
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee — particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip abductors — is one of the most evidence-based approaches for reducing knee pain and preventing re-injury. Dr. Zeaiter designs individualized exercise programs based on each patient's specific deficits and goals.
Living with Knee Pain?
Don't let knee pain limit your life. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Zeaiter and find out what's really going on.
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