The lifetime risk of developing knee pain is 44.7%, and that number’s only going up. With obesity on the rise, I’m seeing more and more patients in their 30s and 40s struggling to stay active because their knees just can’t keep up.
We spend over $185 billion a year managing knee problems, and on average, women pay more than $1,300 out of pocket just to stay pain-free.
At my clinic in Wheat Ridge, CO, we do things differently. We take the time to figure out why your knee is breaking down, and then we find ways to fix it naturally, all without breaking the bank.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
When patients walk into my Wheat Ridge office with knee pain, these are the conditions I see most often. Each one tells us exactly where to start.
Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage between the femur, tibia, and patella gradually wears down. As the joint loses its natural cushioning, bone-on-bone contact leads to inflammation and knee pain.
It often affects the medial compartment of the knee and can even lead to bone spurs.
Meniscus Tears (Non-Surgical Cases)
Grade 1 and 2 meniscus tears are considered incomplete surface disruptions, which means the damage is internal and doesn’t extend all the way through the cartilage. These types of tears usually don’t cause the knee to lock and can often heal without surgery.
Ligament Sprains
The knee relies on the ACL, MCL, and LCL for support and stability. Sprains happen when these ligaments are overstretched or partially torn. They are often caused by awkward landings, mostly found in high-contact sports.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Runner’s Knee causes pain at the front of the knee, typically around or behind the kneecap (patella). It occurs when the patella doesn’t track properly within the trochlear groove of the femur during normal knee movement.
This abnormal tracking increases joint pressure and, over time, leads to irritation and inflammation.
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia) and helps control force when jumping, running, or squatting. Repetitive stress can cause tiny tears in the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain just below the kneecap.
Symptoms usually worsen with activity and may feel sharp or tender to the touch.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The iliotibial (IT) band is a strong band of connective tissue that runs from the hip down to the outer side of the knee. When this band becomes tight or irritated, it can rub against the lateral femur, causing sharp, burning pain along the outside of the knee.
Bursitis
The knee contains small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When a bursa becomes inflamed, usually from trauma, it causes bursitis.
The most common types affect the prepatellar bursa (in front of the kneecap) or the pes anserine bursa (on the inner side of the knee).
Knee Pain Treatments at The Disc Chiropractic
Depending on your diagnosis, I may recommend these non-surgical treatments to help relieve your knee pain and correct the underlying issues contributing to it.
Chiropractic adjustments
When the pelvis and legs are out of alignment, it changes how weight is transferred through the knee. To correct this, I deliver precise thrusts to the bones in your pelvis and hips—either using my hands or with the aid of an instrument.
Shockwave Therapy
We use the Intelect RPW 2 to deliver acoustic pressure waves that break down scar tissue and trigger points in chronically irritated areas of the knee. In some cases, it may also support recovery from Grade 1 or 2 MCL sprains by improving blood circulation and accelerating tissue repair in the affected ligament.
Soft tissue therapy
Tight muscles around the knee, especially in the quads, hamstrings, and IT band, can overload the joint and limit motion. To address this, we use the Rapid Release™ Pro 3+ to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve flexibility in the surrounding soft tissues.
Therapeutic Exercises
Many patients with chronic knee pain also have weak glute muscles or hip instability, and I’ll guide you through specific strengthening exercises to correct those issues and retrain your body to move in a way that protects the knee.
FAQs About Knee Pain
Can chiropractic care really help with knee pain?
Yes, especially when the pain is caused by poor alignment or uneven joint loading. Improving how the hips, pelvis, and spine move can relieve unnecessary pressure on the knee.
What if I’ve had knee pain for years?
If you have had knee pain for years, it usually means the root issue hasn’t been addressed. Even long-standing cases can improve when we restore proper joint loading and movement control.
Do I need an MRI before treatment?
Not in most cases. If your history or exam suggests structural damage, we’ll refer you for an MRI. Otherwise, we can often begin care based on clinical findings alone.
Does the knee joint itself always cause knee pain?
Yes, especially in cases like osteoarthritis, but in some cases, the pain is made worse by how the hips, pelvis, and even feet are functioning. That’s why we assess the whole lower body, not just the knee itself.
Do you work with arthritis-related knee pain?
Yes. While we can’t reverse arthritis, we can reduce joint stress, improve function, and help you move with less pain.
Still Limping Through the Day
It’s time to start fixing what’s actually wrong with your Knee, as our support to your recovery. Your first visit is just $97 and includes a full consultation, movement and spinal exam, and my detailed report of findings.
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910