Causes and Treatments for Knee Pain

Whether you are athletic or not, young or old, knee issues are prevalent and disabling. Diane has 20 years’ experience treating joint issues and knee injuries. Surgery seems to be offered more often than not as a treatment/cure. Many patients are trying to avoid surgery but do not know what other options are available.

Common Knee Complaints

1. Medial meniscus injuries cause pain on the inner part of the knee. They can be torn, usually by twisting and flexing a weight bearing leg. Older patients may experience tears through less dramatic movements such as excessive squatting. There are a wide variety of tears. Acupuncture is an appropriate treatment during the healing stage.

2. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) can be torn, often alongside meniscus trauma. Symptoms include hearing a loud “pop” followed by severe pain, swelling and instability. Acute severe ruptures require surgery. Mild or chronic cases do well with acupuncture.

3. Collateral ligament injury sprains are almost always due to a sporting activity. If a ligament is sprained more than once, the problem can become chronic. Pain with a medial ligament sprains is on the inner joint line, lateral on the outside of the knee.

4. Joint injuries are usually due to trauma as a result of a sports injury. Swelling and a warm tender joint may indicate a knee joint injury.

5. Osteoarthritis is an erosion of the articular cartilage with reduction in joint space leading to bony growths on the joint margins. There is usually a history of trauma, although it can occur in the absence of injury.

Before consulting a surgeon consider the following options:

• Acupuncture – increases blood flow and oxygen to the inflamed, injured area leading to increased healing.
• Graston Technique – breaks down scar tissue and increases blood flow to healing tissue as well as increasing range of motion.
• Cold Laser Therapy – low level light therapy decreases inflammation, eases pain and increases range of motion.
• Herbal Supplements – treat circulation, decrease inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Kinesiotape – stabilizes the injured area, increases blood flow and allows improved range of motion.

Call Diane Bousquin, L.Ac. at 619-808-1099 for an evaluation and treatment options today