The Surprising Secret To Curing Knee Joint Pain

Location, Location, Location
The knee joint is a hinge joint comprised of the femur above and the tibia below. The knee functions primarily in bending and extending. Yet despite the importance of the knee in our everyday function, the knee joint is significantly impacted by the function and structure of joints above and below; specifically the hip and foot. Weakness and a loss of mobility in the hip as well as flexibility and biomechanical issues of the foot can result in abnormal stress passed on to the knee, causing a variety of knee conditions. The knee in many ways becomes the victim secondary to its location.

Supporting Research
One of the more common types of knee joint pain is patella femoral syndrome which is simply an irritation around the knee cap. For many years, the cause of patella pain had been specifically related to a lack of quad strength. Recent research studies now indicate that the lack of hip strength has a significant impact on knee cap pain. The most common component affecting the knee is a lack of lateral hip strength. Hip abduction strength has been implicated in a number of studies as common issue for those suffering patella related pain. In addition, studies have also found that performing specific lateral hip strength exercises is an effective treatment for patella femoral pain.

In a similar finding, a 2007 study looked at muscle strength associated with knee osteoarthritis. This study, reported in the journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders, found that hip strengthening helped to reduce knee joint stress as well as arthritis knee pain symptoms.

Similar to studies finding an association between knee joint pain and hip strength, studies have also found foot biomechanics can also have an impact on knee pain. Studies indicate that those experiencing patella femoral pain have a greater tendency to also have pes planus, or a flat foot. Although those with anterior knee pain are more likely to have flat feet, research has not found that the presence of flat feet is a predictor as to who may or may not have knee pain.

Why does the Hip and Foot Matter?
The biomechanics of the leg involves a complicated chain of events. Once your foot hits the ground, the position, strength and flexibility of the foot will influence how forces are passed up the leg. In the same vein, the strength and flexibility of the hip will impact how and where those forces are absorbed.

There is a classic pattern that is found in relation to leg biomechanics and knee pain. Frequently a flatter foot allows the tibia or shin bone to rotate inward. If the muscles of the lateral hip are not strong, this shin rotation will result in femur or thigh rotation. This internal rotation between the shin and the thigh creates increased twisting stress on the knee, frequently leading to pain.

What can you do?
As part of your overall treatment program, seek help from a physical therapist who can evaluate the extent of your biomechanical issues as well as the strength and flexibility of your hip. Wearing supportive shoes, using a shoe insert, and doing lateral hip strengthening exercises may be the best way to help you relieve knee joint pain.