Knee Pain
The knee often hurts because of what is happening above and below it. We address alignment and movement to take the load off the joint.
Knee pain can limit walking, sport, and everyday movement. Because the knee sits between the hip and ankle, the way those joints move often determines how much stress lands on the knee.
Why the knee is rarely the whole story
Weak hips, poor alignment, and faulty mechanics overload the knee over time. Addressing the hip and movement chain is often what finally settles stubborn knee pain.
Conservative care that builds resilience
We pair joint care with corrective exercise to restore mechanics and rebuild the strength that protects the knee — especially valuable for sports injuries.
What it feels like — and why it happens.
Common symptoms
- Pain around or behind the kneecap
- Stiffness after sitting or activity
- Swelling or a feeling of instability
- Pain climbing stairs or squatting
- Clicking, catching, or grinding
- Weakness in the leg
Common causes
- Weak or imbalanced hip muscles
- Poor alignment and movement mechanics
- Overuse or repetitive impact
- Old injuries and compensations
- Tight or weak thigh muscles
- Degenerative joint changes
Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.
Risk factors
- Running or high-impact sports
- Weak hips and poor mechanics
- Previous knee, hip, or ankle injury
- Excess body weight
- Sudden increases in activity
- Muscle imbalances and poor mobility
When to seek care
- Knee pain lasting more than a week
- Swelling, locking, or giving way
- Pain climbing stairs or squatting
- Reduced ability to bear weight
- Pain that limits sport or daily activity
- Pain after a fall or twisting injury
From problem to outcome.
A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.
The Problem
Knee pain often results from poor mechanics up the chain — weak hips, tight muscles, and faulty alignment that overload the joint — rather than the knee alone.
How We Evaluate
We assess the knee along with the hip, ankle, and overall movement pattern to find what is overloading the joint.
How We Treat It
Care restores joint motion and corrects the mechanics and weaknesses driving the strain, with progressive strengthening to protect the knee.
Expected Outcome
Patients typically reduce pain, move more confidently, and lower their risk of recurring knee problems.
What progress looks like.
Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.
Relief
Reduce pain and swelling, restore motion.
Rebuild
Strengthen hips, thighs, and stabilizers.
Reinforce
Movement retraining for sport and life.
Questions about knee pain
Yes, for many mechanical knee problems. Because the knee is influenced by the hip and ankle, we treat the whole movement chain and use rehabilitation to rebuild support. We refer out for injuries that need imaging or surgical evaluation.
Weak or stiff hips change how force travels down the leg, overloading the knee. Correcting hip strength and mechanics often relieves knee pain that did not respond to knee-only treatment.
Most everyday knee pain responds to conservative care. Surgery is reserved for specific structural injuries, and we will refer you promptly if your exam suggests it.
Connected care, connected answers.
Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.
Real stories from Forza patients.
Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.
“Let me start of by saying Dr. Drew and his team are truly one of a kind! The moment I walked in I was greeted with smiles from the team all with open arms. I haven't even started my treatment yet they all showed much appreciation of my presence. I came in Forza Chiropractic due to both knee pains, back pain, along with my hip popping in certain movements. Dr. Drew listened to every detail I explained to him about these pains. Talked me through what is needed to be done and bring me back to my regular self. I'm 3 weeks in now and before I came I couldn't run my regular runs of 5 to 10 miles. I now am able to run my 10 miles without stopping!! A year ago I couldn't have done this but now at Forza Chiropractic, I'm feeling like my old self!! P.S. Even though there's other patients there, the whole team still makes you feel like they're working with you one on one. Like you're their top priority. To have the whole team there is truly amazing! Oh they also remember your name every time you come in, which just puts the cherry on top.”
Enrique MendezGoogle review · May 14, 2025
“Dr. Drew and his team are amazing. I started going to him for hip/ knee pain which has completely gone away now. He was always able to fit me in for a last minute visit if I needed an emergency adjustment.”
Facebook review · Oct 14, 2022
“Every person working in Dr. Drew’s office is nothing but kind and welcoming! I used to have severe hip and knee pain, and since coming to Hawkeye Chiropractic my pain is virtually gone.”
Bella LekasGoogle review · Feb 16, 2021
“I have had back and neck pain that kept getting worse. I tried visiting multiple chiropractors, but nobody really seemed to do the trick. I was referred to Dr. Monson through a friend. Dr. Monson was able to relate to me on a different level because he does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu like me so he was able to understand what my body needs to adjust me properly. I have never felt better after just a few adjustments with Dr. Monson. Clearly, the rest of the 5 star reviews below speak for themselves, but I would highly recommend him to anyone who feels their body needs some adjusting. Also, Kayla, the receptionist is the bee's knees!”
Blake KlassmanGoogle review · Oct 27, 2015
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