Causes

• Knee injuries result from a variety of causes. Football players develop chronic knee problems from constant wear and tear and nonstop use.
  
  Sudden high impact or twisting of the knee can tear the meniscus, the crescent-shaped cartilage between the ends of the bones of the upper leg and the ends of the bones of the lower leg.
  
  Loose pieces of shredded bone from the inner surface of the kneecap or cartilage torn from its proper position can float into the joint cavity and get pinched in the knee joint, causing the knee to lock and hurt.
  
  

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling of the knee results from knee injury. The knee joint may become unstable and make popping or snapping sounds that are generally accompanied by pain.
  
  The knee joint can lock up. A traumatic event can produce intense knee pain. If the knee does not function properly, seek emergency medical help.
  
  

Diagnostics

• X-rays are always used to diagnose knee injuries, and dye that is visible in X-rays can be injected into the injured knee joint to make the injury easier to analyze.
  
  Magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) is similar to a CAT scan. The MRI bombards the affected knee with hundreds of individual particles to create an accurate detailed image of the knee joint.
  
  

Arthroscopy

• An arthroscopic tube with fiber-optic equipment can be inserted into the knee through a small incision. A reconstructive arthroscopic surgical procedure can reset bones and re-attach torn or ruptured ligaments to the bones.
  
  Minor damage can be surgically repaired by arthroscopy through a small incision. A splint, brace, or cast may be needed after surgery. After surgery, an exercise program to regain full range of motion in the knee also restores strength to the knee joint.
  
  

Chiropractic Treatment

• The chiropractor will recommend vitamin supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin increase lubrication at the knee joint. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can contain MSM, Vitamin D, hyaluronic acid and other extracts. Some of these advanced arthritis supplements contain calcium, while others contain an anti-inflammatory.
  
  The chiropractor can adjust knee joints that are out of alignment, improve function and relieve symptoms. Chiropractic adjustment is forcing the joints further than the joint normally moves to realign the knee.
  
  The chiropractor applies muscle stimulation and ultrasound to stretch or relax tense muscles. The chiropractor recommends exercises to improve function and strengthen the knee.