Is your knee straight?

In my constant quest to be as up to date and as educated as possible to help my patients further, I recently attended 2 of the most comprehensive conferences on both knee assessment and the treatment of knees.

Key points were:

1.       Joint disease starts much earlier than the pain

I have posted to our Facebook page a fascinating and detailed article about this from “Time” magazine.  Basically, in all of us, osteoarthritic changes have been developing since we were 35 – 40 years old. Once you have pain, these osteoarthritic changes are well advanced.

2.       Bone bruising (bone oedema) is serious

Once the cartilage is damaged (osteoarthritis) your bones start to rub together. These bones become soft, bruised and swollen which is a sign of serious joint changes.

3.       Lack of knee extension is now the leading indicator of a developing joint disease

Why lack of knee extension can cause problems

1.       It alters how the knee copes with load as the joint position is not correct.  This speeds up arthritic change on less load hardened cartilage

2.       The quadriceps muscles lose “control” of the knee

3.       The hamstrings shorten as they are no longer stretched correctly

4.       Ligaments within the knee no longer function correctly, some being stretched while others contract.

Foot injuries can cause the knee to not straighten correctly. The Plantar Fascia runs from each of your toes, underneath your foot and to your heel.  This is connected to the Achilles Tendon which connects to your calf muscle which then connects to your knee – so a fault or problem can shorten this muscle chain up the back of your leg and prevent your knee from straightening correctly.

This also works going up. The hamstring starts at the knee, connects to the glutes which connects to the latissimus dorsi muscle in the back.  If the knee doesn’t straighten, the hamstring contracts and then the chain all the way into the lower back is tight.

Can you straighten your knee?

Sit so that you can put your heels up. Sitting on a sofa with just your heels on a coffee table is ideal. Now, with your knees “hanging”, straighten your legs and flex your feet.

Are both knees the same height? Is one more bent than the other? The back of the knee should feel smooth and flat from calf to thigh.

What to do?

Get that knee straight! Here at Bodyworks we have imported from America a special device to improve knee extension.  However, there are exercises you can do.

If you have any questions not answered on our blog, the Bodyworks team will be at the Over 50’s Show on the 26^th and 27^th November.  We can check your moles, your arterial health and provide a free Wellness Evaluation. You can talk to us asking any questions or getting information about our services.