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Knee Pain

Knee Pain

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Wellness

Why Do My Knees Ache? The Causes, Types, and Treatments Explained

Often times, we are asked in our clinic why do knees ache and if it’s something to worry about? According to the CDC, by 2040, about 78 million US adults 18 and older will be diagnosed with arthritis.

In this article, we will cover the different types of knee pain and when you should come into our office. Read on to figure out why your knees ache, and find relief in Mill Creek, Washington!

What Causes Knee Pain?

Your knee consists of 3 bones:

  • Kneecap
  • The upper part of the shinbone
  • The lower part of the thighbone

Your knees also have tendons and strong ligaments that support these 3 bones. Below the kneecap and between the bones, you can find cartilage. The cartilage acts as stabilization for your knees. When you experience a disease or damage to your knee, this can lead to pain.

Some different causes are:

  • Bone tumors
  • Chondromalacia patella (damaged cartilage)
  • Baker’s cyst
  • Gout
  • Bursitis
  • Torn ligament
  • Meniscus tear
  • Dislocation
  • Tendinitis

Types of Knee Pain

From inner knee pain when walking to overweight knee pain, we’ve heard it all in our office in Mill Creek, Washington. A common type of knee pain is actually knee arthritis.

There are 2 types of knee joint arthritis:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Knee osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease since your immune system attacks many joints in the body. You might experience warmth, redness, swelling, and pain if this is the case.

Rheumatoid arthritis can get better with activity.

Knee osteoarthritis is caused when there’s damage to the cartilage in your knee. It’s most common in those 50 years and older.

Knee Strengthening Exercises

Certain exercises can help alleviate knee pain since it improves your range of motion and flexibility. If you’re not moving your knee, that can make the pain worse since it can stiffen.

1. Heel and Calf Stretch

This is a great stretch for your lower leg and calf muscles.

First, stand and face a wall. Next, have your hands on the wall and have one leg forward. Ensure you have your feet and toes facing forward and your heels flat.

Make sure you have a slight bend in your knees. Lean into this stretch and hold it for 30 seconds. If done correctly, you should feel a stretch in your back leg.

Next, change legs and repeat the above 2x on each side.

2. Hamstring Stretch

This exercise will stretch out the muscles in the back of your thigh.

Make sure you have a mat handy to lay on and have your legs straight. Practice lifting one leg off the floor at a time.

Next, have your hands behind your thigh and below your knee. Pull your knee toward your chest for a slight stretch. Hold this for 30 seconds. Then, lower and switch your legs. Repeat this 2x on each side.

Knee Pain Treatment

Are you wondering how to get rid of knee pain? Also, how to prevent knee pain?

Besides the exercises above that’ll help alleviate some of the pain, you can also try yoga poses. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water will hydrate the ligaments around your knee.

Call your chiropractic knee specialist today if you:

  • Can’t flex your knee
  • Can’t fully extend your knee
  • Have a deformity in your knee or leg
  • Severe knee pain from an injury
  • Have a fever along with redness and swelling
  • Can’t have weight on your knee
  • Swollen knee

When you visit your specialist in Mill Creek, Washington, you might have an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or Ultrasound done. We will also check for any swelling, warmth, and check the structure of your knee.

Knees Ache Treatment

Now that you’ve explored this guide on different reasons for knees ache you should have a better idea of what’s going on.

Are you ready to finally have relief from your knee pain? Call us today at (425) 737-5343 or fill out our form below and we will come up with a plan specific for you at our office in Mill Creek, Washington. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Knee Pain

Jumpers Knee

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Orthotics, Wellness

Jumper’s Knee: Things You Need to Know About Patellar Tendonitis

The knee is the largest joint in the body. Not only that, but it’s also the most complex. For one thing, it’s made up of three bones—the femur, tibia, and patella.

At the same time, however, it’s also the joint that’s most likely to be injured. Take ACL injuries, for example—they occur when you tear or sprain one of the ligaments that keep your knee in place.

Patellar tendinitis aka jumper’s knee is another example. Instead of the ligaments, however, it affects the tendons.

What causes it? How can you treat it? Keep reading to find out!

What is Patellar Tendonitis?

Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition in which the patellar tendon becomes inflamed. Generally speaking, it occurs just below the kneecap.

In the initial stages, the pain may be sporadic; swelling may also be present. As the tendon becomes more damaged, however, it can progressively get worse. For example, it’s not uncommon for it to interfere with daily activities such as sitting or climbing stairs.

Causes For Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis occurs when there’s repeated stress on the knee. Ultimately, it’s this stress that causes tears in the tendon.

More often than not, it’s due to sports or exercise. Certain things can also contribute to the condition such as obesity, improperly fitted shoes, misaligned feet, or uneven leg strength.

Note: Athletes tend to be at a higher risk due to their long training sessions.

Natural Treatments for Patellar Tendonitis

It’s possible to treat jumper’s knee without any medication. For example, you can apply ice. Not only will it alleviate the pain, but it’ll also bring down the swelling.

Don’t apply the ice directly to your knee, though. Instead, wrap it in a towel so that it won’t come into direct contact with your skin.

Aside from that, there are stretching exercises that you can do that’ll help. Ultimately, the goal is to lengthen the muscle-tendon unit so that there will be fewer muscle spasms.

Chiropractic Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis

There are a few different ways that a chiropractor can treat jumper’s knee. For instance, they can use electrical muscle stimulation to loosen the tendon, which will relieve pain.

From there, they can manipulate the joint once the inflammation goes down. Depending on the severity, they may also recommend physical or massage therapy.

On top of that, there are strengthening exercises that they can teach you that’ll help strengthen the knee joint.

Treating Jumper’s Knee

Hopefully, that gives you a better understanding of how to treat jumper’s knee. As you can see, there are different methods that you can use to relieve the pain—chiropractic care being one of them!

Looking for a chiropractor in the Mill Creek area? Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment!

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Foot Pain

Foot Pain

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Orthotics, Weight-Loss, Wellness

Do You Have Foot Pain? Here’s What It Could Mean

Our feet probably don’t get the appreciation that they truly deserve. They have to bear weight whenever we stand and they help us get to where we want to go. Due to all this strain and stress, foot pain is fairly common. 

When you experience foot pain, that means that you’re feeling discomfort or pain in one or more parts of your foot. Those parts can include the heels, soles, arches, and toes. 

The pain can be severe or mild. It can also last for a short time or it can be an ongoing issue. Constant feet pain can be a major burden but that doesn’t mean the pain can’t be relieved. 

Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about foot pain. 

Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can occur due to a medical condition or certain lifestyle choices. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is one of the most common causes of foot pain. High-heeled shoes can also lead to foot pain because they put a good amount of pressure on the toes.

Injuries from sports and high-impact activities, like aerobics or jogging, can also lead to foot pain. 

If you have arthritis, you may very likely experience foot pain. There are 33 joints in your foot, and arthritis can impact any of them. And people who have diabetes may end up with nerve damage or ulcers in their feet.

You’re also more at risk for experiencing constant feet pain if you have a foot injury, are pregnant, or have obesity. 

Symptoms of Foot Pain

Foot pain can lead you to limp or have an unsteady gait. You can also experience paresthesia, which is a burning or tingling sensation in the affected area. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe that you can’t move it at all. 

Home Remedies for Foot Pain

The home remedy that will best help you will depend on the cause of your pain and how severe it is. With that said, applying ice to the affected area can usually help. 

You also might want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Make sure that you rest your foot as much as possible and keep it elevated. In order to prevent rubbing on the affected area, you can use footpads. 

How Chiropractics Can Help Foot Pain

A chiropractor understands the importance of body mechanics in daily life. They take into account your strength, flexibility, stability, and mobility when they look to find the true cause of your foot pain. 

The feet are the foundation of the body. If they’re not working properly, it can lead to a whole bunch of other problems in the body.

A chiropractor can examine your posture and form. They can even make crucial assessments just from the way you walk. Sometimes, a chiropractor can simply pull on your foot in a specific way and relieve a great deal of your pain.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your feet, it’s important that you consult a chiropractor before things get any worse. 

The Importance of Treating Constant Feet Pain

As we can see, people who experience constant feet pain should not hesitate to resolve the issue. If you’re experiencing pain in your feet or other areas of the body, we can help. Contact us today and see what we can do for you!

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Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back Pain During Pregnancy

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Hormone Balance, Injury, Orthotics, Pregnancy, Sleep, Weight-Loss, Wellness

Chiropractic Relief for Pregnancy Back Pain

Pregnancy is one of the happiest times for a couple to experience.  There is the excitement of a new baby, the anticipation of the changes he or she will bring, and the hopefulness of a growing family.  As part of the changes a woman’s body will go through, back pain during pregnancy is quite common but chiropractic care can help through out the pregnancy to relief the aches and pains.

What Are the Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain? 

If you think about it, it’s no wonder you are experiencing discomfort…you are gaining weight in an isolated area very quickly, your center of gravity is shifting, and you are undergoing hormonal changes meant to assist in the birthing process.  Usually starting in the second half of pregnancy, many women begin to feel pain in their lower back and pelvis at the sacroiliac joint. 

This pain can begin after periods of standing or sitting with no breaks, following a restless night of sleep, or during stressful times and is caused by:

  • Weight gain—a woman usually gains between 25 and 35 pounds during her pregnancy with most of it carried in the belly area putting additional stress on the lower back.
  • Shifting gravity—a woman’s “center of gravity” is in a constant state of flux during pregnancy as each day brings new weight gain, shifting posture, and possibly an altered gait.
  • Hormonal changes—Relaxing, a hormone meant to aid childbirth, causes muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region to loosen and relax so that the baby can be born more easily. This often causes pain in the back and spine as the relaxing muscles aren’t providing adequate support.

How to Relieve Back Pain

Understanding that back pain is common and isn’t an indication of something abnormal is a good first step in relieving unnecessary stress during a pregnancy.  Here are some good techniques to maintain back strength and help make the new Mom comfortable throughout her pregnancy:

  • Practice Using Good Posture
    • Stand straight
    • Keep your shoulders back
    • Use a wide stance for the best support
    • Sit using a chair that supports your back
    • Forget the high heels for now
    • Use good body mechanics when lifting
    • Sleep on your side
  • Gentle, moderate exercise helps by strengthening the back muscles and increasing flexibility—yoga is an excellent choice for pregnancy
  • Wearing a belly belt to support the weight
  • Warm baths and ice packs intermittently
  • Alternative therapies such as chiropractic care and massage

Chiropractic Care and Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, chiropractic care can be beneficial in a number of ways, including alleviating back pain, as well as pain in the hips and joints.  Used in conjunction with massage and exercise, chiropractic care during pregnancy seamlessly harmonizes with whatever birthing method and care team you have chosen, i.e., traditional OB-GYN, midwifery.

Regular chiropractic visits can promote and establish pelvic balance and alignment creating a healthier environment for the baby and less pain for the mother during pregnancy.  In fact, there is research that suggests chiropractic care improves a woman’s ability to have a successful natural birth and reduce the time she is in labor. 

In Mill Creek, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness has compassionate and experienced providers available to answer your questions and to discuss a pregnancy-supportive care plan, including alleviating back, hip, and pelvic pain brought on by the pregnancy itself.  If you are seeking relief for the discomfort of back pain brought on by pregnancy, consider the benefits of managing that pain through chiropractic care.

All of us at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness wish you a safe and happy pregnancy with terrific health and freedom of movement.  Please contact us at our Mill Creek location to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic care during and after your pregnancy.

 

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Babies with Sleeping Issues

Babies with Sleeping Issues

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Pregnancy, Sleep, Wellness

Possible Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep (Plus, What You Can Do About It)

Does your baby have trouble sleeping? Are you wondering what you can do to help your baby sleep better?

If your baby isn’t sleeping, this is a definite cause for concern. Sleep has a direct impact on babies‘ mental and physical development. If your baby is missing out on sleep, development in these areas may be stunted.

To help your baby get a better night’s sleep, you first need to know why he/she is struggling. Check out this guide to discover the reasons why your baby won’t sleep and what you can do about it.

Why Sleep is Important for Babies 

Before we talk about the reasons why your baby isn’t sleeping, let’s first talk about why sleep is so important for babies. As we mentioned in the intro, sleep is important for a baby’s physical and mental development.

Additionally, forming good sleep habits as a baby will carry over into the rest of one’s life. Also, we can’t forget that babies who do not get enough sleep tend to be fussy and cranky when they’re awake.

REM Sleep

But, to say that babies need sleep to be healthy isn’t enough. In particular, babies need REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement, and this refers to the period of sleep in which your eyes quickly move in different directions. This is a light period of sleep that is often characterized by vivid dreams.

Babies spend about half of their sleep cycles in REM sleep.

REM sleep is important for humans at every age of life, but it’s especially important for babies. It’s during this sleep cycle that the brain regions used in learning are stimulated. REM sleep is also associated with increased protein production, which is important for helping your baby grow.

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep 

Now that you know why sleep is so important for babies, let’s take a look at some of the reasons as to why your baby is struggling to fall asleep. Here are some reasons why:

  • Your baby is too hot/cold
  • Your baby is overstimulated
  • Your baby is hungry
  • Your baby is too tired/nap deprived
  • Your baby lacks routine
  • You’re interfering too quickly when your baby doesn’t fall asleep right away
  • Your baby is napping too late
  • Your baby is sleeping in different rooms
  • Your baby is transitioning through sleep cycles
  • Your baby is sleeping in the wrong position
  • Your baby is experiencing teething or growing pains
  • Your baby is sick
  • Your baby is suffering from a sleep disorder

As you can see, there are many reasons why your baby may be struggling to sleep.

How to Promote Better Sleep 

Luckily, there are things you can do to help promote better sleep in your baby. One of the most important things to do is to make sure that your baby is sleeping in the right position.

For a good night’s sleep, we recommend placing your baby on their back. Not only will this promote good sleep, but this will also ensure that your baby sleeps safely.

You may also want to consider gently massaging your baby to help him/her sleep. Or, you may want to consider taking your baby to a chiropractor to get adjusted which will improve parasympathetic nervous system which will ultimately help them sleep better.

Are You Ready to Help Your Baby Sleep? 

Now that you know why your baby won’t sleep, it’s time to take action. If you’ve tried all sorts of things to help your baby fall asleep but are still having difficulties, it may be time to take your baby to a chiropractor.

If you’re looking to schedule an appointment in the Mill Creek, Washington area, contact us today.

PIP Insurance in Washington State

PIP Insurance in Washington State

by | Apr 15, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Wellness

What You Need to Know About PIP Coverage in Washington State

At a minimum, liability auto insurance is mandatory in Washington State.  However, did you also know that you benefit from carrying personal insurance protection (PIP) as supplemental coverage?  As an extension of auto insurance, PIP covers medical expenses for you and anyone injured in an accident, including pedestrians and cyclists.

You sometimes hear this type of insurance referred to as “no fault” insurance, because a person is covered whether or not they were at fault for the accident.  It’s also different than “bodily injury” coverage which pays for any injuries to another person, but not to you.

Is PIP Insurance Required in Washington State?

While there is no Washington PIP statute that requires you to have this type of coverage, insurance companies are required to offer it to customers and to obtain a written rejection from the client if they decline coverage.  If you choose to opt into PIP coverage, Washington State statute defines minimums for PIP insurance that must be observed by carriers, including:

  • Up to $10,000 for reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses for each person injured in an accident with a 3-year window to access care
  • Wage replacement up to $200 per week with a $10,000 maximum
  • Funeral expenses up $2,000 for each person
  • Loss of services up to $200 per week ($5,000 maximum) to pay non-family persons for work you can’t accomplish, such as household chores or lawn care

To further define medical expenses, most insurance companies include ambulance services, medical and surgical care, hospital stays if required, chiropractic care, dental care, and medications.

What Types of Auto Accident Injuries Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

When the body sustains the force of an auto accident (even at relatively slow speeds), some injuries are outwardly obvious (and should be treated by the appropriate care provider), and some are not seen or even felt until later.  With impact injuries, it’s a good idea to be evaluated by a chiropractor to find effective pain relief without medication or to prevent long-term pain.  These types of symptoms may be signs of whiplash or other related auto accident injuries:

  • Neck pain
  • Sore back
  • Shoulder pain
  • Neck range of motion issues
  • Low back pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sciatica
  • Knee pain
  • Loss of feeling
  • Feelings of depression and anxiety

How Does a Chiropractor Treat Auto Accident Injuries?

With an initial evaluation, your chiropractor can assess the extent of your injuries and present a natural and effective treatment plan and prognosis.  With an effective course of treatment that may include chiropractic manipulation, stretching and massage, nutritional counseling, and exercise, your body can heal and return to normal daily life.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, Washington, we are experienced at naturally treating auto accident injuries and are well versed in PIP auto insurance coverage requirements.  Leave the complicated claims process to us.

If you have sustained an auto accident injury, trust the chiropractic professionals at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness…contact us today!

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