Knee Pain
Knee pain doesn't always originate in the knee itself. At Two Sparrows, we evaluate the knee alongside the hip, ankle, and spine to understand the full mechanical picture contributing to your discomfort.
Symptoms We Commonly See
Pain with walking, squatting, or climbing stairs
Swelling or stiffness, especially after activity
A sense of instability or "giving way"
Pain that developed gradually rather than from a specific injury
Understanding Knee Pain
The knee is a hinge joint that relies heavily on proper alignment above (hip) and below (ankle) to function well — which is why we always evaluate the whole kinetic chain, not just the knee.
Why It Happens
Knee pain often results from misalignment or restricted movement in the hip or ankle, which changes how force travels through the knee joint during everyday movement. Overuse, old injuries, and muscular imbalance also play a role.
Common Categories
Patellofemoral pain — pain around or behind the kneecap, often related to tracking issues and hip/ankle mechanics
Ligament-related pain — involving the knee's stabilizing ligaments, often from a specific twisting injury
Meniscus-related pain — involving the knee's cartilage cushions, from either acute injury or gradual wear
Referred or mechanical pain — knee discomfort actually driven by hip or ankle restriction altering normal knee mechanics
Common Contributing Factors
Hip weakness or restriction altering knee alignment during movement
Ankle mobility limitations changing how force travels up the leg
Running or repetitive-impact activities without adequate recovery
Previous knee injuries that changed movement patterns
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Seek prompt medical evaluation for knee pain following significant trauma, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, a knee that locks or gives way, or significant swelling that develops rapidly.
Our Approach
We assess alignment and movement through the hip, knee, and ankle together, along with extremity adjusting techniques when appropriate, to address the mechanical chain contributing to your knee pain — not just the knee in isolation.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek immediate medical care for significant trauma, inability to bear weight, or suspected fracture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This depends on your specific symptoms and history — we'll discuss whether imaging is appropriate during your exam.
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Yes, addressing movement restrictions in the hip, ankle, and knee is often a meaningful part of recovering from and preventing activity-related knee pain.
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For significant trauma, suspected ligament tears, or knee pain that isn't improving with conservative care, an orthopedic evaluation may be appropriate — we're happy to discuss whether that makes sense for your situation.
— not favoring one leg, dreading stairs, or sitting out the hikes and activities you used to enjoy without a second thought.
Holistic, non-invasive chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your family, meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're dealing with a nagging ache that's overstayed its welcome or searching for real answers after years of being told to just live with it. You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.