Knee pain affects millions of Americans every year, with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) being one of the most common diagnoses. Often called “runner’s knee,” this condition involves pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly when climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods.
While many people assume knee pain requires seeing an orthopedic specialist, your local Bessemer chiropractor offers effective, non-invasive approaches to managing patellofemoral pain.
Why Does Patellofemoral Pain Happen?
Patellofemoral pain typically occurs when the kneecap doesn’t track properly in its groove on the femur (thigh bone). This misalignment creates friction, irritation, and eventually pain. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including muscle imbalances, biomechanical issues in the feet or hips, previous injuries, and overuse from repetitive activities.
When the structures surrounding the kneecap—such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip stabilizers, and calf muscles—are not working in harmony, the kneecap can be pulled slightly off-center during movement. Even subtle shifts can increase stress on the underside of the patella, irritating the cartilage or soft tissues that help it glide smoothly.
Over time, this irritation can develop into chronic pain, especially during activities like squatting, running, climbing stairs, or sitting for extended periods with bent knees. In many cases, poor foot mechanics—such as overpronation (collapsed arches)—can also affect the way force is transferred up the leg, influencing how the patella moves within its groove.
Additionally, past injuries to the knee, hip, or ankle may alter movement patterns and create compensations in gait or muscle recruitment, increasing strain on the patellofemoral joint. Overuse, particularly in athletes or individuals with physically demanding routines, can further amplify these issues by repeatedly stressing tissues that are already misaligned or under-recovered.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to patellofemoral pain, looking beyond just the knee to identify and address underlying issues. When you visit a chiropractor for knee pain, we conduct a thorough assessment of your entire lower body mechanics, not just the painful area. This comprehensive evaluation helps uncover the root causes of your discomfort.
As part of your personalized treatment plan, your Bessemer chiropractor may then perform gentle adjustments to restore proper alignment in the spine, pelvis, and extremities. These adjustments help normalize joint function and nerve communication, allowing muscles to work more efficiently and reducing stress on the knee joint. For the knee itself, specialized techniques may be used to improve patella tracking and enhance mobility in the joint.
Beyond adjustments, chiropractors employ various therapeutic approaches to address patellofemoral pain. As part of your treatment plan, we may incorporate modalities like therapeutic ultrasound or low-level laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the irritated tissues.
Many patients with patellofemoral pain further benefit from custom foot orthotics. Your chiropractor can assess your foot mechanics and recommend appropriate support to improve alignment from the ground up. These orthotics help correct pronation issues or other biomechanical problems that may be contributing to your knee pain.
Perhaps most importantly, your chiropractor will provide guidance on activity modification and self-care strategies. We’ll help you understand which movements exacerbate your condition and teach you how to perform daily activities to reduce stress on the patellofemoral joint.
Curious to learn more? At Premier Chiropractic Center, we’re ready to help you get back on your feet! Book your appointment today.
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