Sydney Sports Physio + Fitness understands the frustration that knee pain can bring to individuals who are actively pursuing their fitness goals. It often feels like our age is catching up with us when we experience those sharp pains and dull aches, accompanied by cracking and popping sensations. However, knee pain does not have to be the end-all-be-all when it comes to your progress.
It is important to note that knee pain is closely related to the joints above and below it, namely the hip and the ankle/foot. The hip joint, being a deep ball-and-socket joint, provides crucial support and stability to the trunk. Similarly, the ankle and foot joints act as stable weight-bearing joints, akin to a clamp. We have spent our lives learning how to balance on our feet since we took our first steps.
Contrastingly, the knee joint is sandwiched between these two relatively more stable joints. It consists of two bones stacked on top of each other, with ligaments surrounding the joint to provide support and stability. However, this is often insufficient for long-term stability, especially during sports that involve frequent changes of direction and impact forces.
When issues arise in terms of mobility, stability, or coordination in the hip or ankle/foot joint, it can greatly affect the knee. Think of the knee as an unstable structure situated between two stable structures, making it vulnerable. For example, knee valgus, which occurs when the knee collapses inwards, is not an ideal position for generating force and changing direction. Strong hip muscles (glutes) are necessary to align the knee under load, while stability in the foot/ankle prevents collapse through the arch.
If either of these actions fails to occur due to overload or instability during activities like jumping, squatting, lunging, or bounding, the stability of the knee is compromised, resulting in inward collapsing. Subjecting the knee joint to these types of loads and stresses frequently, without adequate stability, leads to inflammation, sensitivity, and ultimately pain.
If chronic knee pain and inflammation are ignored over time, they can lead to osteoarthritis and even necessitate a total knee replacement. This is something we aim to prevent at Sydney Sports Physio + Fitness. By understanding the biomechanics underlying knee pain, we can take steps to prevent or manage it effectively.
To achieve this, we focus on three key steps. Firstly, we identify if there are any issues with range of motion at the ankle or hip. Secondly, we assess the balance and stability of your feet to determine if the arch collapses under challenge. Finally, we assess the specific muscles necessary for producing better knee angles during challenging movements.
It's essential to recognise that knee pain, although it may seem general, always has a specific underlying cause. Therefore, settling for a generic diagnosis is not recommended. Instead, come and visit us at Sydney Sports Physio + Fitness. Our team will work diligently to identify the root cause of your knee issues through targeted assessments of the hip or ankle/foot. By doing so, we can help you continue to enjoy achieving your goals, free from knee pain.
