Knee Pain Treatment in Norfolk, VA
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care at Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA — and it is also one of the most successfully treated. Whether your knee pain is the result of a sports injury, an overuse condition, a workplace accident, or age-related joint degeneration, Dr. John Clayton has the expertise to accurately diagnose its source and deliver effective, conservative treatment that gets you back on your feet without surgery or medication.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Knee Pain?
The knee is a complex hinge joint that bears the full weight of the body and must withstand significant forces during walking, running, climbing, and athletic activity. It is also heavily influenced by what happens above and below it — hip dysfunction and foot mechanics both directly affect how the knee loads and moves. Dr. Clayton evaluates the full lower extremity kinetic chain when assessing knee pain, not just the joint itself. Common causes of knee pain treated at Ghent Chiropractic include:
- IT band syndrome — inflammation and tightness in the iliotibial band that produces sharp lateral knee pain, particularly in runners and cyclists
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) — overuse inflammation of the patellar tendon below the kneecap, common in athletes who jump and sprint
- Patellofemoral syndrome (runner’s knee) — pain behind or around the kneecap resulting from poor patellar tracking and altered lower extremity mechanics
- Meniscus injuries — tears or irritation in the cartilaginous shock absorbers inside the knee joint, producing pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching
- Ligament sprains — partial or complete tears of the MCL, LCL, ACL, or PCL from twisting injuries, direct contact, or hyperextension
- Knee osteoarthritis — degenerative loss of articular cartilage producing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly after periods of inactivity
- Pes anserine bursitis — inflammation of the bursa on the inner aspect of the knee, often associated with osteoarthritis or overuse in runners
- Hip and foot dysfunction — altered mechanics at the hip or foot that change how forces are transmitted through the knee, creating chronic loading patterns that produce pain over time
How Dr. Clayton Treats Knee Pain
Effective knee pain treatment requires addressing the knee joint itself, the surrounding soft tissues, and the biomechanical factors that are driving the problem. Dr. Clayton’s integrated approach at Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA may include:
- Active Release Techniques (ART) — ART is exceptionally effective for IT band syndrome, patellar tendinitis, hamstring tightness, and the soft tissue restrictions that alter patellar tracking and knee mechanics. Dr. Clayton applies specific protocols targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, iliotibial band, calf, and popliteal musculature.
- FAKTR Therapy — instrument-assisted mobilization of the soft tissues surrounding the knee during functional movement, particularly effective for fascial restrictions and chronic tendinopathies
- Chiropractic Adjustments — extremity adjustments to the knee, hip, and ankle restore proper joint mechanics throughout the lower extremity kinetic chain, addressing the biomechanical contributors to knee pain
- Rehabilitative Exercises — targeted strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip abductors to restore lower extremity balance, improve patellar tracking, and reduce stress on the knee joint
- NormaTec Compression Therapy — leg compression sessions to reduce knee inflammation, decrease swelling, improve circulation, and accelerate recovery — particularly valuable for athletes managing high training loads
Call Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA at (757) 622-1222 or schedule your knee pain evaluation online today.
Knee Pain FAQs — Ghent Chiropractic, Norfolk, VA
Can a chiropractor help with knee pain?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat knee conditions from a musculoskeletal and biomechanical perspective. Dr. Clayton’s combination of full-body ART certification, FAKTR training, and sports chiropractic expertise makes him particularly effective at treating knee pain caused by soft tissue restrictions, overuse, and lower extremity mechanical dysfunction — conditions that frequently fail to resolve with rest and standard physical therapy alone.
What is IT band syndrome and how is it treated?
IT band syndrome is one of the most common causes of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists. It develops when the iliotibial band — a thick strip of fascia running from the hip to the shin — becomes tight and inflamed where it crosses the outer knee. Dr. Clayton treats IT band syndrome with ART and FAKTR to break down fascial restrictions in the IT band and surrounding musculature, combined with rehabilitative exercises targeting the hip abductors and glutes that are often the underlying driver of the problem.
Can chiropractic help with knee arthritis?
Yes. While chiropractic cannot reverse cartilage loss, it can significantly reduce knee arthritis pain by improving joint mechanics, reducing inflammation through soft tissue therapy and compression, and strengthening the supporting musculature. Many patients with knee osteoarthritis experience substantial reductions in pain and meaningful improvements in function under Dr. Clayton’s care — often avoiding or delaying surgical intervention.
Is my hip causing my knee pain?
Quite possibly. Hip weakness — particularly in the gluteal muscles and hip abductors — is one of the most common biomechanical contributors to knee pain conditions including IT band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, and patellar tendinitis. When the hip cannot properly control the position of the femur during weight-bearing activities, excessive stress is transferred to the knee. Dr. Clayton evaluates the entire lower extremity to identify these upstream contributors.
Do I need an MRI before seeing Dr. Clayton for knee pain?
Not necessarily. Dr. Clayton can conduct a thorough orthopedic and clinical examination to assess the knee and determine the likely source of your pain. MRI or X-ray is recommended when there are signs of significant structural damage such as a ligament tear or advanced joint degeneration. He will advise you on whether imaging is needed based on your history and examination findings.
How long does knee pain take to resolve with chiropractic care?
Recovery time varies significantly by condition. Conditions like IT band syndrome and patellar tendinitis often respond well within four to eight weeks of consistent treatment. More complex conditions involving joint degeneration or structural damage may take longer. Dr. Clayton will provide a realistic timeline and clear milestones during your care plan discussion.
Can NormaTec help my knee recovery?
Yes. NormaTec leg compression therapy is highly effective for reducing knee swelling and inflammation, improving circulation, and accelerating soft tissue recovery. It is a valuable complement to hands-on treatment at Ghent Chiropractic and is particularly beneficial for athletes managing knee conditions while continuing to train. Learn more about NormaTec at Ghent Chiropractic.