| Location, Location, Location | | | | joint pain and hip strength, studies have also found foot |
| The knee joint is a hinge joint comprised of the femur | | | | biomechanics can also have an impact on knee pain. |
| above and the tibia below. The knee functions primarily | | | | Studies indicate that those experiencing patella femoral |
| in bending and extending. Yet despite the importance | | | | pain have a greater tendency to also have pes planus, |
| of the knee in our everyday function, the knee joint is | | | | or a flat foot. Although those with anterior knee pain |
| significantly impacted by the function and structure of | | | | are more likely to have flat feet, research has not |
| joints above and below; specifically the hip and foot. | | | | found that the presence of flat feet is a predictor as |
| Weakness and a loss of mobility in the hip as well as | | | | to who may or may not have knee pain. |
| flexibility and biomechanical issues of the foot can | | | | Why does the Hip and Foot Matter? |
| result in abnormal stress passed on to the knee, | | | | The biomechanics of the leg involves a complicated |
| causing a variety of knee conditions. The knee in many | | | | chain of events. Once your foot hits the ground, the |
| ways becomes the victim secondary to its location. | | | | position, strength and flexibility of the foot will influence |
| Supporting Research | | | | how forces are passed up the leg. In the same vein, |
| One of the more common types of knee joint pain is | | | | the strength and flexibility of the hip will impact how |
| patella femoral syndrome which is simply an irritation | | | | and where those forces are absorbed. |
| around the knee cap. For many years, the cause of | | | | There is a classic pattern that is found in relation to leg |
| patella pain had been specifically related to a lack of | | | | biomechanics and knee pain. Frequently a flatter foot |
| quad strength. Recent research studies now indicate | | | | allows the tibia or shin bone to rotate inward. If the |
| that the lack of hip strength has a significant impact on | | | | muscles of the lateral hip are not strong, this shin |
| knee cap pain. The most common component | | | | rotation will result in femur or thigh rotation. This internal |
| affecting the knee is a lack of lateral hip strength. Hip | | | | rotation between the shin and the thigh creates |
| abduction strength has been implicated in a number of | | | | increased twisting stress on the knee, frequently |
| studies as common issue for those suffering patella | | | | leading to pain. |
| related pain. In addition, studies have also found that | | | | What can you do? |
| performing specific lateral hip strength exercises is an | | | | As part of your overall treatment program, seek help |
| effective treatment for patella femoral pain. | | | | from a physical therapist who can evaluate the extent |
| In a similar finding, a 2007 study looked at muscle | | | | of your biomechanical issues as well as the strength |
| strength associated with knee osteoarthritis. This study, | | | | and flexibility of your hip. Wearing supportive shoes, |
| reported in the journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders, | | | | using a shoe insert, and doing lateral hip strengthening |
| found that hip strengthening helped to reduce knee | | | | exercises may be the best way to help you relieve |
| joint stress as well as arthritis knee pain symptoms. | | | | knee joint pain. |
| Similar to studies finding an association between knee | | | | |