Knee Pain Care in Myrtle Beach
Whether you’re walking along the beach, playing a round of golf, or getting down on the floor with your grandkids, your knees do a lot throughout the day. When one starts hurting, even familiar activities can become a challenge.
Maybe you’ve noticed stiffness after sitting for a while, or your knee aches whenever you take the stairs. Whatever you’re experiencing, finding out what’s behind it is a good place to start.
Why Your Knees May Be Hurting
Your knee connects the thigh bone and shin bone, with the kneecap sitting at the front. Cartilage cushions the joint, while ligaments, tendons, and muscles help keep it stable. Pain can develop in several of these structures. Where it hurts, when it started, and which movements make it worse can all offer clues about what may be involved.
What Are Some Common Causes?
Some knee problems develop slowly over time. Others begin with a sudden twist, fall, or sports injury. Possible causes include:
- Osteoarthritis and age-related cartilage changes
- Patellofemoral pain around or behind the kneecap
- Overuse from running, walking, or climbing stairs
- Ligament or meniscus injuries
- Changes in hip strength or foot mechanics
What Your Knee Symptoms May Be Telling You
Arthritis may cause stiffness after resting or an ache that becomes more noticeable with activity. Pain around the kneecap often shows up during squatting, stair climbing, or prolonged sitting.
You might also find yourself favoring one leg without realizing it. Over time, that change in movement may place different demands on your hips, opposite knee, or lower back.
When Knee Pain Needs Attention
If discomfort keeps returning, affects your walking, or makes exercise difficult, consider scheduling an evaluation. Seek prompt medical attention if you cannot bear weight, experience rapid swelling after an injury, notice visible deformity, or develop a hot, red knee accompanied by fever.
Looking at More Than Just the Knee
With nearly two decades of chiropractic experience and a background as a collegiate swimmer and coach, Dr. Alan Levy, DC, understands how movement affects everyday activities.
At Sea One Family Chiropractic, he considers how the hips, knees, and feet work together rather than focusing only on the painful area.
Your visit includes a discussion of your symptoms, health history, and activity goals, followed by an examination. On-site X-rays may be recommended when clinically indicated, but they aren’t necessary for every patient.
Depending on the findings, chiropractic adjustments to relevant joints or cold laser therapy may be considered. If a significant ligament injury or another condition requiring different care is suspected, Dr. Levy can recommend an appropriate referral.
An Individualized Approach to Staying Active
Two people with knee pain may have very different needs. Someone managing age-related stiffness won’t necessarily need the same approach as a runner recovering from an injury.
Dr. Levy explains what he finds and discusses care options based on your symptoms, examination, and goals. No one-size-fits-all recommendations.
Take the Next Step Toward Understanding Your Knee Pain
Whether stairs have become a chore or you’re cutting your beach walks short, you don’t have to keep guessing about what’s going on. Contact Sea One Family Chiropractic to schedule a knee pain evaluation.
