What are causes of the knee pain?

The exact cause of knee pain is often difficult to detect. We can take a look at certain movement patterns to help get an idea of why the knee began to hurt.  In many cases individuals with knee pain either have lack of movement at the ankle, or lack of stability at the hips.  The knees job is to connect the foot to the hip.  If we have any sort of restrictions in these joints, then the knee pays the price. 

The best movement pattern to use, to assess these joints is the Overhead Squat Assessment used by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. To perfom this, set up in front of a mirror with your feet hip or shoulder width apart, and toes pointing straight ahead.  Perform anywhere from 5 -10 squats. 

• First, look at the foot. Is it flattening or turning out as you squat?  If so, this tells you that the calves do not stretch out enough to allow proper movement.  If the foot turns out, the knee is torqued in a manner it is not designed to handle too many times.
• Next, look at your knees. Do they come together or go out when you squat?  If so, this is an indication of improper stability at the hips.  Again if the hip muscles can not stabilize the leg, then the knee pays the price.

If you do not feel comfortable performing this assessment on your own, then enlist the help of an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, or contact me for more information!

Knees are prone to injury because they connect so many muscle groups together. In this video, Dr. Oz guest Dr. Vonda Wright explains the different types of knee pain and their causes.