The knee is one of the most complex and largest joints in the body, and it is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

The bones that make up the knee joint are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). The knee joint is held together by four ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The knee joint also contains cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the bones, and menisci, which are small, C-shaped pieces of cartilage that help to absorb shock and provide stability.

Physical therapy and chiropractic care: Physical therapists can help patients make a personalized exercise plan to strengthen the muscles around the knee, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. They may also use other treatments such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to promote healing and improve function. Chiropractors can also provide relief for knee pain by adjusting the spine and other joints to improve overall alignment and function. They may also use other treatments such as massage, acupuncture, or cold laser therapy to help relieve pain and promote healing.

Consider the possibility that a pelvic misalignment, in some cases, contributes to knee pain. The pelvis is the foundation of the spine and supports the weight of the entire upper body. When the pelvis is misaligned, it can cause compensations throughout the entire body, including the knees. This can result in knee pain, instability, or weakness. A physical therapist or chiropractor can help find and fix any misalignments in the pelvis. This can help the body work better and reduce knee pain.

The knee joint is vulnerable to injury due to its complexity, and injuries can occur at any age. Sudden twisting movements or changes in direction during sports can cause ligament tears, such as the ACL or MCL. Meniscus tears can be caused by sudden twisting movements or by wear and tear over time. It is important to note that knee injuries can occur at any age, but they are more common in people over the age of 40.

That’s why understanding the anatomy of the knee and how certain movements can lead to injury can help you prevent knee injuries and protect your joint health. By taking a proactive approach to treatment, you can find relief and get back to the activities you love.

• Hunter, D. J. (2011). Osteoarthritis. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 25(6), 801-814. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2011.11.015
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Meniscal Tears. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscal-tears/
• Khayatzadeh-Mahani, A., Mohammadkhani, Z., & Pourahmadi, M. R. (2018). Effect of pelvic alignment exercises on functional disability, balance, and pain in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 22(3), 802-806. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.09.001