Moving and Feeling Better: Chiropractic Care for Extremities
Are You At Risk for Chronic Knee Pain?
Do your knees hurt? You’re not alone. Chronic knee pain is thought to affect up to 25% of adults and can significantly limit your mobility and quality 
of life. Your knee is a hinge joint that primarily moves back and forth (flexion and extension) and allows some twisting or rotation. Every step you take places stress and strain on your knees, so it’s no surprise that trauma, misalignment, and degenerative changes can all take their toll.
While knee pain may not be entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to keep your knees as healthy as possible. At the top of the list is to watch your weight. For every pound you are overweight, your knees must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run or climb stairs. In addition, the cartilage in your knee is designed to last a lifetime if you take care of it.
Here are a few additional ways to keep your knees healthy and strong.
- Warm-Up Before Exercising: Stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings before and after you exercise is a smart way to reduce the chance of a flare-up of knee pain.
- Find Adequate Foot Support: Every step you take transfers force from the bottom of your foot to your knee. Therefore, your shoes should provide the support you need to keep your knees healthy for at least 10,000 steps per day.
- Maintain a Full Range of Motion: Ensuring your low back and hips are moving freely is essential to overall knee health.
The joints of your body should have a balance of strength and flexibility through their full range of motion. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people with back issues to struggle with knee pain after limping around for a few weeks. We encourage our Hatboro-area patients to be proactive with their health. Use the strategies above to help reduce your chances of knee pain and be sure to schedule an appointment at our Horsham Township office if you encounter any knee pain or restricted motion.
Tennis Elbow? But I don’t even play tennis!
Tennis elbow isn’t just for athletes. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition when the tendons in your elbow are inflamed and overloaded due to repetitive motion.
Because of the motion that occurs when swinging a racket, it’s commonly referred to as tennis elbow, but anyone with a job that features repetitive arm motions may be at risk.
Tennis elbow can become a serious issue because of the pain and weakness that make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Because it’s an injury caused by repetitive motion, finding ways to decrease the inflammation and improve your biomechanics is critical.
Three natural ways to help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow include:
- Rest: Giving your arm time to rest is important to stop the cascade of inflammation and pain
- Ice: Icing a few times per hour is a smart strategy to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Technique: Be mindful of how you are moving your arm, use proper ergonomics, and use a brace for a short time if necessary
Tennis elbow is usually not a condition that will go away on its own. However, we’ve found two key strategies for reducing the pain associated with tennis below. First, begin an at-home exercise routine to strengthen your supporting muscles. The second is receiving adjustments, when necessary, to improve the motion and movement of your elbow joints. If you or someone you know in Montgomery County has struggled with tennis elbow, call us so we can provide you with a plan to find relief.
Next Steps:
In conclusion, chiropractic care is integral to the journey toward better mobility, strength, and overall well-being. It’s not only about the spine but also the care for your extremities. If you’re struggling with pain or lack of motion in your limbs, don’t let it keep you from the activities you love. Reach out to our practice today. We’re committed to helping you move better, feel better, and live a more fulfilling life. Your journey to a healthier you starts here. Remember, chiropractic care is a step towards enhanced health and pain-free life. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!