Question
For the past 4-6 months my right knee has been hurting. The pain is coming from a little above the kneecap, right on the top of my knee. It is a constant, dull pain. Standing or walking for extended periods will easily agitate my knee and the pain will increase.

I've seen my chiropractor for this, and he concluded it was caused by a weak arch in my right foot in conjunction with my then weightlifting hobby. I purchased the recommended foot inserts and was on my way.

The foot inserts do help the pain, however, I do not wear shoes all the time, nor am I constantly standing. The pain is still there when I am not using the inserts, and it feels the same as before, that is, that I do not feel like my knee is actually improving. I have resorted to trying to "stretch it out" through controlled stretching exercises, and now I notice my entire right leg is less limber than my left, and my right buttocks feels tense and tight after very light stretching.

So now I am lost. What is causing my knee pain, and what can I do to make it better? Has my knee now caused problems with my hip? Please help!

Many thanks,
J

Answer
"....little above the kneecap, right on the top of my knee...."  

Hello, sorry to hear you are not improving.

The orthotics sound like a good start.  Besides that treatment, what others are being utilized?  Adjustment of the spine, hip, knee, ankle, foot could all be indicated depending upon physical findings. Modalities like ultrasound, infrasound, electrical muscle stimulation could be helpful.  Ice after activity could be helpful.

I am thinking of a suprapatellar bursitis or perhaps a patellar tendonitis.  The knee pain location that you describe would most likely be one of these.  A sport injury chiropractor would be helpful. The American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians member list could direct you to a local Doctor of Chiropractic with additional sport credentials (ACBSP.COM).  

Thank you, Good Luck, and

I wish you Good Health, Naturally!

Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP

http://www.DocDolan.net
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info