(859) 737-58001199 W. Lexington Ave, Winchester, KY 40391 Mon, Wed & Fri · 8 AM – 6 PM
Knee pain

Knee Pain in Winchester, KY

Knees take a lot of load, from stairs and kneeling to long days on your feet. Here is how we look for the cause of knee pain, including the hip, low back and the way you walk, and when a knee needs a medical doctor.

Knee pain doesn’t always start in the knee

The knee sits between the hip and the foot, so it often pays for problems above and below it. Stiffness in the hip or low back, tight thigh and calf muscles, or the way your foot lands can all change how the knee is loaded. Pain can also start in the knee itself, in the joint or the muscles and tendons around the kneecap.

Common knee pain we see

  • Pain around or behind the kneecap with stairs, squatting, kneeling or getting up after sitting
  • Aching on the inside or outside of the knee after walking, running or standing on hard floors
  • Stiffness first thing in the morning or after a long drive
  • Knee pain together with hip or low back pain
  • Soreness after a change in activity, such as a new job, a new exercise routine or a weekend of yard work

How we examine a sore knee

We take a careful history and examine your knee, hip, low back and pelvis, and we watch how you walk, squat and climb a step. Hip, knee and back problems often go together, so we check how the whole leg moves. Then we explain what we find in plain language. Hip pain too? See hip & leg pain. Leg pain that runs from the back down the leg may be sciatica.

What happens at your first visit

  • Your history. We ask when the problem started, what you were doing, where you feel it, what makes it better or worse and how it affects your day. Tell us what you do on your feet at work and at home, and whether the knee has ever been injured.
  • A thorough exam. We check how the area moves and how the joints and muscles around it are working, so we can find what is driving your pain rather than only treating the sore spot.
  • A plain-language explanation. We tell you what we found, what we recommend and what you can do at home. If anything points to a problem that needs a medical doctor or imaging, we’ll tell you and help you take that next step.
  • A plan that fits you. Care is built around your goals, whether that is sleeping through the night, getting back to work or keeping up with your family.

We don’t take X-rays in our office. If you need X-rays, we’ll refer you to an outside imaging provider.

How we help

Specific chiropractic adjustments. A precise, controlled movement applied to a joint that is restricted or not moving well. The goal is to restore healthy joint motion and support communication between your nervous system and your body. More about adjustments.

Passive therapies. Electrical stimulation, our mechanical massage table and cold therapy to ease pain and relax tight muscles.

Active care. Exercises and stretches you can continue at home to build strength and flexibility.

Depending on what your exam shows, we may adjust the knee as well as the hip, low back and pelvis, to restore healthy motion where it is restricted.

Strengthening. For longer-term strength around the knee and hip, Bobby Stewart, M.Ed., of MedFit PT offers clinical exercise and post-rehab programs at our office. Personal training & post-rehab exercise.

Massage therapy. Hands-on massage with Westley Rowe, LMT, is available in our office and booked separately. Massage therapy in Winchester.

Active adults and seniors

We see knee pain at every age, from runners and weekend athletes to grandparents who want to keep up with the garden and the grandkids. For athletes, sports chiropractic at our office is provided by Dr. Perry Williams II, DC, DACBSP: see sports chiropractic. For seniors, see seniors & Medicare.

When to see a medical doctor first

Some knee problems need a medical doctor and imaging, such as a suspected ligament or cartilage (meniscus) tear or a fracture. See your doctor if your knee locks, gives way, swells quickly after an injury or doesn’t improve. We’ll tell you if your exam points that way.

Insurance, walk-ins & booking

You don’t need a referral. Walk-ins and same-day appointments are welcome during office hours (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM), and you can book online anytime (opens in new tab) or call (859) 737-5800. We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Passport (Molina Healthcare), and plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna. Self-pay options are available. Bring your insurance card(s); that’s all you need. See what to expect as a new patient.

Winchester Chiropractic has cared for Winchester and Clark County families since 1997, and readers of The Winchester Sun voted us Best of Winchester 2026 in the chiropractor category.

When to get urgent medical care

Call 911 or go to the emergency room, rather than booking a chiropractic visit, if you have:

  • A fall or injury after which you cannot put weight on your leg, or the knee looks out of place
  • A hot, red, swollen knee, or knee pain with fever
  • A calf that is suddenly swollen, red, warm or painful (possible blood clot)
  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg

Good to know

  • No referral needed
  • Walk-ins & same-day visits welcome
  • Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid & Passport (Molina Healthcare) accepted
  • Plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare & Aetna accepted
  • Book online 24/7 or call (859) 737-5800

Also at our office: Massage therapy with Westley Rowe, LMT (Meet Westley), and Personal training with Bobby Stewart, M.Ed., of MedFit PT (Meet Bobby). Both are booked separately from chiropractic visits.

Knee pain questions

Can a chiropractor help with knee pain?

Knee pain is one of the problems we see. We examine the knee, hip, low back and how you walk, and depending on what we find we may adjust the knee as well as the hip, low back and pelvis, then show you exercises to continue at home. Results vary from person to person.

Do you adjust knees?

Yes. When your exam shows the knee joint isn’t moving well, we may adjust the knee itself, as well as the hip and low back.

Could my knee pain come from my hip or back?

Sometimes. Stiffness in the hip or low back, tight muscles and the way your foot lands can all change how your knee is loaded. That is why we check the whole leg, not only the knee.

Do I need an MRI or a referral first?

No referral is needed, and you don’t need an MRI to book. If your exam suggests a tear or another problem that needs imaging or a medical doctor, we’ll tell you and refer you.

Can I walk in today with knee pain?

Yes. Walk-ins and same-day appointments are welcome during office hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM. Calling ahead at (859) 737-5800 is welcome but not required, or tap Book Now to book online.

Will my insurance cover chiropractic care for knee pain?

We accept most insurance plans that cover chiropractic care, including plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna, and we accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Passport (Molina Healthcare). Self-pay options are also available. Coverage varies by plan, so call (859) 737-5800 and we’ll help you check yours.

Winchester Chiropractic

Ready to feel and move better?

Book online anytime, or give our office a call.

Activity and everyday-life questions

Why does the front of my knee hurt when I squat?

Squats can irritate structures around the kneecap, but the location of the pain and any swelling help narrow down the cause. Reduce painful loading until it is assessed. A locked knee or inability to put weight on the leg needs prompt medical care.

Why does my knee hurt after pickleball?

Quick stops and changes of direction put different demands on your knee than walking. Tell us about any twist, swelling or feeling that the knee might give way. An exam helps guide treatment and a return to playing.

Why do my knees hurt after roller skating?

Skating keeps your knees bent while you push off repeatedly, which can bring on pain even if walking feels fine. Tell us where it hurts and whether you fell or twisted your knee. An exam helps distinguish overuse from an injury that needs other care.

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