Many of the most common lower extremity strains and pains are due to some type of abnormal biomechanical stress, not only at the location of injury, but somewhere from above and below the kinetic chain. For example, anterior knee pain is often a result of abnormal foot mechanics and poor hip strength. With altered forces from above and below, the knee experiences repetitive loading and stress, resulting in tissue inflammation and injury.
Our goal in resolving lingering and recurrent lower extremity biomechanical injuries is to determine what type of biomechanical stresses are involved, and what associated deficits may be causing an altered neuro-musculoskeletal response. This occurs when certain muscles, joints or movement patterns take over tasks they were not designed to perform in order to compensate for dysfunctions elsewhere, such as: strength deficits in specific muscles, soft tissue restrictions limiting motion, joint stiffness, joint instabilities, nerve entrapments, poor foot mechanics, and previous injuries that may affect biomechanical loading.
Once we understand what is going on behind the pain, we can finally begin to correct the dysfunction, prevent further injury, reduce recurrence and restore mobility. We hope this site, particularly the Recurrent Injury Blog, will empower patients and health professionals alike to do just that.
