The 5 Biggest Knee Problems Faced By Canadians
🦵Special Report From the Desk of Dr Craig Hindson BEng DC Chiropractor Ottawa 🍁
I’m often asked “Why Do My Knees Hurt”, and it’s true chiropractic care has been helping people with knee problems for 130 years. But like all symptom and disease states, knee pain and knee symptoms are not chiropractic issues – however, the imbalance in the pelvis or lower back (subluxation) that causes adverse stresses which may lead to the issue in the first place (either partially or completely) IS what chiropractic care addresses.
So, it warrants discussion and I’ve done a tad of research for education purposes only and this is not health advice – do your own research. Consult your chiropractic doctor or other primary health care provider for your specific case.
Now knee issues are one of the most common complaints in Canada, affecting people of all ages—from athletes to seniors. Approximately 700,000 people suffer chronic knee issues.
Here are the five most frequent reasons that people ask “why do my knees hurt?” I’ve covered the knee problems, how often they occur, and the most common options for managing them.
1. Osteoarthritis of the Knee
How Common? Affects 1 in 5 Canadians over age 45. Most common cause of chronic knee pain in adults.
What Is It? Gradual breakdown of cartilage inside the knee joint.
What Can You Do?
- Weight management
- Strengthening and mobility exercises
- Knee bracing
- Injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid, PRP)
- Surgery (joint replacement for severe cases
Pros & Cons
- Non-surgical methods often relieve symptoms
- Cartilage doesn’t grow back naturally
- Surgery can be effective for severe OA
- Long recovery and cost for surgery
2. Meniscus Tears
How Common? 60-70,000 cases treated annually in Canada. Especially common in sports and aging knees.
What Is It? Tearing of the cartilage pad between the femur and tibia.
What Can You Do?
- Rest and physiotherapy
- Meniscus-friendly exercises
- Arthroscopic surgery in some cases
Pros & Cons
- Rehab can heal minor tears without surgery
- Complex tears or older patients may not benefit from surgery
- Surgery is minimally invasive
- Risk of further joint degeneration post-surgery
3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
How Common? Up to 25% of all knee complaints, especially in young adults and active people.
What Is It? Pain around or behind the kneecap, often due to poor alignment or muscle imbalance.
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4. Ligament Injuries (e.g., ACL, MCL sprains)
How Common? ACL injuries affect over 10,000 Canadians annually. Common in skiing, soccer, basketball, and football.
What Is It? Partial or complete tear of ligaments stabilizing the knee.
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5. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
How Common? Leading cause of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists. Common in people with weak hips or poor biomechanics.
What Is It? Friction of the IT band (a thick tendon) over the outside of the knee.
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Thoughts
So the next time yo uask “Why do my knees hurt?” you now know that whilst knee problems are common, they’re not something you have to live with. Chiropractic care restores balance (more about that soon) and improved structural balance, early action, proper movement, and personalized care plans can make a major difference in your recovery and quality of life.
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