{"id":5117,"date":"2021-03-20T11:50:32","date_gmt":"2021-03-20T16:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/capitalchirodsm.com\/?p=5117"},"modified":"2021-04-16T11:52:00","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T16:52:00","slug":"knee-troubles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/capitalchirodsm.com\/knee-troubles\/","title":{"rendered":"Knee Troubles"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"knee<\/p>\n

Knees are needed<\/h2>\n

Knee pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. The knee is a hinge joint providing our body with flexibility, support, and a wide range of motion for our legs.(1) This weight-bearing joint is exposed to significant stress as we perform our usual routines. It also serves a large role during activities such as walking, sports, and exercise.<\/p>\n

The knee is one of the largest joints in the body and made up of a series of bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. The knee is a team player who works with the hip, ankle, and foot to function. The knee’s proper movement allows 135 degrees of knee flexion. This range of motion gives you the ability to kick a soccer ball and perform other activities you love.<\/p>\n

But how does the knee work? What does it do in the body, and is it susceptible to injury? What does it mean if someone has knee pain? Is knee pain treatable? To answer these questions, it is important to understand the structures inside the knee and how they move and protect the joint.<\/p>\n

Knee anatomy<\/h2>\n
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Photo from Google images.<\/p><\/div>\n

The knee joint consists of several bones: the kneecap (patella), the shin bone (tibia), and the thigh bone (femur).<\/p>\n

Between the bones are two rubbery, C-shaped cartilage called the meniscus that sit on the tibia to cushions and protect the bones.2 The meniscus transfers and absorbs internal and external forces on the joint. This function lets us jump on trampolines, walk downstairs, and apply our body weight onto the knee without pain. Athletes are especially prone to injuring the meniscus when too much force is applied to the joint.<\/p>\n

Another type of cartilage lines the bones of the knee where they connect. This slippery cartilage, called articular cartilage,2, allows for smooth movements of the bones of the knee joint. Articular cartilage protects bone surfaces from rubbing and grating on each other. This soft tissue structure prevents wearing down or degeneration of bony surfaces.<\/p>\n

Within and surrounding the knee are several important ligaments connecting bone to bone and tendons connecting muscle to bone. Muscles span from the hip, butt, and pelvis and attach to the knee to stabilize and support knee function. The kneecap is a sesamoid bone attached on the bottom to the patellar ligament and the top by the quadricep tendon. When the quadricep muscle contracts it serves as a pulley giving the knee a mechanical advantage.<\/p>\n

Is the knee prone to injury?<\/h3>\n

Normal aging, repetitive activity, traumas, and sudden movement can cause a knee injury. This is due to the knee\u2019s role in lower extremity (leg) movements and the combination of bone surfaces together.<\/p>\n

Not all knee pain feels the same, either. Some pain is described as dull and achy, sharp, burning, pulling, tight, or sore. Symptoms can also be felt deep in the joint or on the surface of the skin.<\/p>\n

Some injuries and conditions that occur at the knee are:<\/p>\n