Knee Pain

A Day in the Life of your Knee, article written by Suzi Corbett, former Chiropractor at Guildford Chiropractic Centre.

Breakfast is healthy fruit and yoghurt. Thank goodness my Body has stopped the full fry-ups. Not only was his increasingly large belly putting extra strain on me, it was also putting my better half, ‘the good knee’ at risk of arthritis. Happily the scales are on a downward trend!

We also make time to spend in the gym now. Although my Body still looks longingly at the football pitches, that was how we got here in the first place.

After several years sitting behind a desk with no exercise, one weekend he decided to join in a game of five-a-side and ran out onto the pitch without bothering to warm up. Snap! My cruciate ligament, which runs through the joint connecting the femur to the tibia, tore. Ouch! That’s the reason I’m creaky before my time. Ligament tears usually result in a 50:50 chance of getting arthritis within 10-20 years.

In the office, I see one of my Body’s work colleagues walking round in high heels – phew, I’m glad I’m not one of her knees. High heels are a torture device for us knees. I much prefer our new shoes with flexible soles which also provide support under the arch of the foot.

Up we get at lunchtime to go to the gym.

Exercise like biking, swimming and tai chi helps me to avoid becoming too rusty. In order to regenerate, cartilage in the knee needs to move. Strong muscles also help to stabilise and support the joint.

On the way home from work, it’s one of the highlights of my month – we’re off to see the chiropractor. Not only does the chiropractor help keep my Body’s low back and pelvis working well, which takes extra pressure off me, massage and mobilisation around the knee joint helps me keep going as long as possible. Regular treatments are making a big difference to how we feel.

Back at home, dinner is salmon and fresh vegetables. Diet is of great importance to how I feel. Low grade inflammation within my joint may be helped by foods such as fatty fish. At bedtime, I’m at my most comfortable with my Body on his side with a pillow between me and the other knee.

And if I’m happy, usually we get a good night’s sleep.

If you would like to speak to one of our chiropractors, please contact clinic reception.