Knee pain is a common issue that affects millions of adults. If you have ever experienced knee pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Many people overlook the cause of their knee pain, but there are two culprits that could be leading to your discomfort: stiff ankles and stiff hips. Read on to find out why this duo could be causing your knee pain and what you can do about it.
Patellar Femoral Syndrome (PFS) & Illiotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) The two most common forms of knee-related injuries are Patellar Femoral Syndrome (PFS) and Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB). Both conditions have similar symptoms including an aching or burning sensation around the kneecap area, swelling, or even popping noises when walking or running. While many people think that these types of injuries are caused by overuse or weakness in the muscles around the knee, they can be attributed to stiffness in the ankles and hips.
When your ankles and hips become tight, it creates a chain reaction that affects other parts of your body such as your knees. When your ankles are tight, they limit the range of motion in your feet which puts more strain on the muscles above them—namely those located in your shins. This strain can cause excessive movement into the tibia—which can ultimately lead to PFS. Similarly, when your hips become tight, they limit the range of motion in certain muscles which causes them to pull on other areas like your IT band leading to ITB syndrome. One way to prevent this from happening is by stretching and practicing mobility movements in the hip and ankle.
If you require any treatment to help you with your pain please contact Harbourview Therapy.