Knee Pain Treatment in Walnut Creek, California
When Knee Pain Makes Everyday Movement More Difficult
You stand up after sitting for a while, and your knee feels stiff.
Walking downstairs has become uncomfortable.
Maybe you notice a sharp pain when you squat, an ache after a long walk, or discomfort when getting in and out of your car.
Perhaps you've stopped playing pickleball, going on hikes, gardening, or exercising the way you used to because you're not sure how your knee will feel afterward.
Knee pain can affect some of the simplest parts of your day. Walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, bending, standing, and even finding a comfortable sleeping position may become frustrating.
Sometimes the discomfort develops gradually. Other times, it begins after an injury, a change in activity, or an unfamiliar movement.
At Stojanovich Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Nick Stojanovich evaluates knee pain and related musculoskeletal conditions to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Because knowing that your knee hurts is only the beginning.
Understanding what's contributing to the discomfort helps determine the next step.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Your knees are involved in nearly every activity that requires standing or moving your legs.
The knee is a complex joint supported by bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other surrounding tissues.
Pain may develop when one or more of these structures becomes injured, irritated, or affected by an underlying condition.
Possible causes of knee pain include:
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Muscle or tendon-related conditions
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Ligament injuries
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Meniscus injuries
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Osteoarthritis
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Patellofemoral pain
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Repetitive or increased activity demands
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Sports-related injuries
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Joint irritation or swelling
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Pain referred from another area
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Other medical or musculoskeletal conditions
Not every case of knee pain is caused by arthritis.
And not every painful knee requires the same type of treatment.
An evaluation helps determine which factors may be relevant to your symptoms.
What Does Knee Pain Feel Like?
Knee pain can appear in different locations and during different activities.
You might experience:
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A dull ache around the knee
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Sharp pain with certain movements
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Stiffness after sitting
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Discomfort when bending or straightening the leg
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Pain when climbing or descending stairs
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Tenderness around the kneecap
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Swelling or a feeling of fullness
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Pain during squatting or kneeling
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Clicking or popping
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A sensation that the knee may give way
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Difficulty comfortably bearing weight
The location, timing, and pattern of your symptoms can provide important information.
However, symptoms alone don't always identify the underlying condition.
Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk?
Walking requires coordinated movement through the hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
Knee pain during walking may involve joint irritation, tendon-related problems, arthritis, an injury, or other factors.
Some people notice discomfort immediately.
Others feel fine at the beginning of a walk but become uncomfortable as the activity continues.
The distance you're walking, terrain, footwear, recent activity changes, and examination findings may all provide useful information.
Dr. Stojanovich considers the full picture rather than assuming that walking-related knee pain has one particular cause.
Why Does My Knee Hurt Going Up or Down Stairs?
Stairs place different demands on your knees than walking on level ground.
You may notice discomfort when climbing stairs, descending stairs, or both.
Pain around or behind the kneecap can sometimes be associated with patellofemoral pain, while other knee conditions can produce similar symptoms.
The location of the pain, associated swelling, previous injuries, and how your knee responds to different movements can help guide the evaluation.
Knee Pain When Squatting, Kneeling, or Standing Up
Maybe you can walk comfortably, but bending your knee deeply causes discomfort.
Or perhaps standing up after sitting is the hardest part.
Squatting, kneeling, and rising from a chair require the knee joint and surrounding muscles and tendons to manage different amounts of load.
Discomfort during these activities may involve several possible structures.
Rather than assuming that squatting is harmful, Dr. Stojanovich can evaluate the movement and determine whether modification, treatment, or additional investigation may be appropriate.
Knee Arthritis: Could Osteoarthritis Be Causing My Pain?
Osteoarthritis is one possible cause of knee pain, particularly among middle-aged and older adults.
Knee osteoarthritis involves changes in the joint's cartilage and other tissues.
Some people experience stiffness, aching, swelling, or discomfort during certain activities.
However, the severity of changes seen on an X-ray doesn't always match the amount of pain someone experiences.
And knee pain doesn't automatically mean you have arthritis.
If osteoarthritis is suspected or has already been diagnosed, Dr. Stojanovich can evaluate relevant musculoskeletal findings and determine whether chiropractic extremity care may be appropriate as part of your overall management.
Chiropractic care does not reverse knee arthritis or regenerate damaged cartilage.
What Is Patellofemoral Pain?
Patellofemoral pain is a condition commonly associated with discomfort around or behind the kneecap.
Symptoms may become noticeable during activities such as:
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Climbing or descending stairs
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Squatting
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Running
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Jumping
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Sitting with the knees bent for extended periods
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Certain exercise movements
Sometimes people refer to this as runner's knee, although that informal term can describe more than one condition.
Patellofemoral pain can involve multiple contributing factors, including activity demands and how the knee tolerates loading.
An evaluation helps distinguish it from other knee conditions.
Can Tendon Problems Cause Knee Pain?
Yes.
The tendons around the knee help transfer force between muscles and bones.
One example is patellar tendinopathy, sometimes called jumper's knee, which may cause pain around the tendon below the kneecap.
Other tendon-related problems may produce discomfort in different areas around the knee.
Symptoms may be associated with jumping, running, squatting, repetitive activities, or changes in exercise intensity.
Tendon-related pain isn't always caused by active inflammation.
Understanding the condition and its relationship to activity is important when determining appropriate care.
What About Meniscus and Ligament Injuries?
The knee contains structures that help provide stability and support movement.
The menisci are cartilage structures that help distribute forces within the knee joint.
Ligaments help stabilize the joint.
Injuries involving these structures may occur during twisting movements, falls, sports activities, or other trauma.
Depending on the injury, symptoms may include pain, swelling, limited movement, instability, or difficulty bearing weight.
A knee that locks, repeatedly gives way, or becomes significantly swollen after an injury deserves appropriate medical evaluation.
Some injuries require imaging, orthopedic assessment, or other care beyond chiropractic treatment.
Knee Pain From Golf, Pickleball, Hiking, and Exercise
Staying active is important to many people in Walnut Creek and throughout the East Bay.
Maybe you enjoy walking the trails around Mount Diablo, playing golf, joining friends for pickleball, cycling, or attending fitness classes.
When knee pain begins interfering with those activities, it's understandable to wonder whether you should stop.
But an activity that causes discomfort isn't necessarily an activity you'll need to avoid permanently.
Changes in training volume, intensity, terrain, recovery, or underlying musculoskeletal conditions may all be relevant.
Dr. Stojanovich can consider your activity history and examination findings when discussing appropriate care and activity modifications.
Can Hip, Ankle, or Foot Problems Contribute to Knee Pain?
Sometimes.
Your hip, knee, ankle, and foot work together during walking and many other movements.
Certain conditions affecting nearby joints or muscles can influence movement patterns and may be relevant when evaluating knee discomfort.
However, knee pain should not automatically be blamed on your feet, your posture, or a supposed misalignment elsewhere in your body.
Dr. Stojanovich can evaluate nearby areas when your symptoms and examination suggest they may be contributing.
Can Custom Orthotics Help Knee Pain?
Custom orthotics may be considered for certain patients when foot mechanics, symptoms, and other clinical findings suggest they could be useful.
But orthotics aren't a universal treatment for knee pain.
Not every knee condition originates in the feet, and not every patient benefits from orthotic devices.
If appropriate, Dr. Stojanovich can discuss whether a foot and lower-extremity evaluation or custom orthotics may have a role in your care.
What Happens During a Knee Pain Chiropractic Evaluation?
Your appointment begins with a conversation about your symptoms and how they're affecting your everyday life.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich may ask:
When did your knee pain begin?
Was there an injury or particular activity?
Where exactly does your knee hurt?
Does the pain occur in the front, back, inside, or outside of your knee?
Does walking make it worse?
What about climbing stairs or squatting?
Have you noticed swelling?
Does your knee click, catch, lock, or give way?
Have you experienced numbness or weakness?
Have you had previous knee injuries or surgery?
What activities would you like to return to?
Your examination may include assessment of knee movement, tenderness, joint function, muscle strength, stability, and other relevant findings.
The hip, ankle, foot, or lower back may also be evaluated when clinically appropriate.
The goal is to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic treatment is suitable.
Do I Need an X-Ray or MRI for Knee Pain?
Not everyone with knee pain needs imaging.
Whether X-rays, MRI, or another diagnostic study is appropriate depends on factors such as:
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How your symptoms began
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Whether there was an injury
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Swelling or instability
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Difficulty bearing weight
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Examination findings
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Severity and progression of symptoms
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Other clinical considerations
If Dr. Stojanovich believes imaging is indicated, he can discuss the appropriate next step or refer you for diagnostic imaging.
If you've already had knee imaging, bring the available reports and images with you.
Chiropractic Care for Knee Pain
Chiropractic care isn't limited to the spine.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich also evaluates and provides chiropractic care for appropriate extremity conditions, including musculoskeletal complaints involving the knee.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, treatment may include appropriate extremity chiropractic techniques, manual approaches, and recommendations related to movement or activity.
Your care is individualized based on your condition, health history, examination findings, and goals.
Not every knee condition requires an adjustment.
And not every knee problem is appropriate for chiropractic treatment.
Some conditions may require medical evaluation, rehabilitation, orthopedic care, or other management.
Determining which approach is appropriate is an important part of your visit.
Supportive Therapies for Knee Pain
Depending on your condition and examination findings, Dr. Stojanovich may consider supportive therapies as part of your care.
Stojanovich Chiropractic offers modalities including:
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Therapeutic ultrasound
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Cold laser therapy
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Red light therapy
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Other appropriate supportive therapies
These modalities are not automatically indicated for arthritis, tendon problems, or other knee complaints.
Their potential role depends on the specific condition, available evidence, treatment parameters, and individual clinical considerations.
The goal is to choose appropriate care rather than use the same combination of treatments for every patient.
Should I Rest or Keep Moving With Knee Pain?
That depends on the condition.
Some knee complaints may benefit from temporary activity modification and a gradual return to appropriate movement.
Other conditions, especially following significant injury, may require additional precautions or medical evaluation.
Complete inactivity isn't automatically necessary for every painful knee.
And pushing through severe pain or instability isn't advisable.
Dr. Stojanovich can discuss appropriate activity considerations based on your symptoms and findings.
When Knee Pain Needs Prompt Medical Attention
Certain knee symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek appropriate medical attention for symptoms such as:
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Severe pain following an injury
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Inability to bear weight
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Visible deformity
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Significant or rapidly developing swelling
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A knee that becomes locked and cannot move normally
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A hot, red, swollen joint accompanied by fever or illness
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Significant instability after trauma
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New or progressive weakness or numbness
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A cold, pale, or discolored lower leg or foot
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Other sudden, severe, or unusual symptoms
If knee or leg pain occurs with significant calf swelling, warmth, or redness, seek prompt medical evaluation for a possible blood clot. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain requires emergency attention.
These symptoms shouldn't be assumed to be routine knee strain or arthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain
Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk?
Walking-related knee pain may involve arthritis, tendon problems, joint irritation, injury, or other musculoskeletal conditions. An evaluation can help determine what appears relevant.
Why Does My Knee Hurt Going Down Stairs?
Descending stairs places different demands on the knee than level walking. Pain may be associated with patellofemoral pain or other knee conditions.
Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Stand Up After Sitting?
Knee stiffness or discomfort after sitting can occur with several conditions, including osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain. The symptom pattern and examination findings help guide evaluation.
Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Squat?
Squatting places load on the knee joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. Pain may involve several possible structures and doesn't automatically mean squatting is harmful.
Can Knee Arthritis Cause Pain and Stiffness?
Yes. Osteoarthritis may contribute to aching, stiffness, swelling, or discomfort during certain activities. However, knee pain isn't always caused by arthritis.
Can a Chiropractor Treat Knee Pain?
Chiropractors who provide extremity care may evaluate and treat appropriate musculoskeletal conditions involving the knee. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, examination findings, and individual needs.
Can Chiropractic Care Reverse Knee Arthritis?
No. Chiropractic care does not reverse osteoarthritis or regenerate damaged cartilage. Appropriate musculoskeletal care may be considered as part of a broader management approach for selected patients.
What Is Runner's Knee?
Runner's knee is an informal term often used for patellofemoral pain, although it can refer to other knee complaints. It commonly involves discomfort around or behind the kneecap.
Can Pickleball Cause Knee Pain?
Pickleball involves starting, stopping, turning, and changing direction. These movements can place demands on the knees, particularly when activity levels increase.
Can Foot Problems Affect My Knees?
Certain foot and ankle conditions may influence lower-extremity movement, but not all knee pain originates in the feet. Evaluation helps determine whether these areas are relevant.
Can Custom Orthotics Help With Knee Pain?
Orthotics may be appropriate for selected patients, depending on their symptoms and clinical findings. They aren't necessary or effective for every knee condition.
Does Knee Pain Always Require an Adjustment?
No. Treatment depends on the condition. Some patients may be candidates for chiropractic extremity care, while others require different approaches.
Can Cold Laser or Ultrasound Be Used for Knee Pain?
These modalities may be considered for selected conditions, but effectiveness varies by diagnosis and treatment protocol. They aren't automatically appropriate for every patient.
Do I Need an X-Ray or MRI for Knee Pain?
Not necessarily. Imaging decisions depend on your history, symptoms, examination findings, injury history, and other clinical factors.
Should I Exercise if My Knee Hurts?
The appropriate level and type of exercise depend on the condition. Some people can continue modified activity, while others may need additional evaluation or precautions.
When Should I Worry About Knee Pain?
Severe pain following trauma, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, deformity, a locked knee, fever with a hot swollen joint, or major neurological or circulation changes requires prompt medical evaluation.
Looking for Knee Pain Treatment in Walnut Creek, California?
If knee pain is making it harder to walk, climb stairs, exercise, garden, play golf, enjoy pickleball, or simply get through your day comfortably, you don't have to determine the cause on your own.
Whether your symptoms involve stiffness, discomfort around the kneecap, a previous injury, arthritis, or another musculoskeletal concern, understanding what's contributing to the problem is an important first step.
With more than 27 years in practice, Dr. Nick Stojanovich provides individualized chiropractic and extremity care for patients in Walnut Creek and surrounding Contra Costa County and East Bay communities.
Not every knee condition requires chiropractic treatment, and additional imaging or medical evaluation may be appropriate depending on your symptoms.
Contact Stojanovich Chiropractic to schedule a knee pain evaluation and determine the appropriate next step for your care.
