Podiatrists don’t just specialise in the foot. WE ARE EXPERTS in assessing lower limb biomechanics of the hip, knee and ankle as well! And this is relevant when considering knee arthritis.
# 45606557 – runner knee injury and pain
The body and in particular the leg, is a kinetic chain. Its all connected and linked. When an injury or limitation occurs in one joint, we will see compensations throughout the rest of the kinetic chain.
An example of this phenomenon is demonstrated in a recent study of individuals in the US. (Don’t worry- it is relevant to the Pacific as well- there were several scientific contributors from Australia). The research has shown the following results:
The study followed 1020 men and women (aged 45-79) who were ‘at risk’ of developing knee OA, over 4 years.
People ‘at risk’ of developing knee OA:
- Aged 70<
- Have OA (Osteoarthritis) in other joints
- Family history of total knee replacement in biological parent or sibling
- History of knee injury
- History of knee surgery
- Abnormal biomechanical stresses of the knees (due to abnormal alignment)
- Obesity
- Heavy physical activities
Image #31279349 – young man with knee pain
After following these patients for 4 years, the study results showed if a person had foot or ankle pain, they were at an increased risk of developing knee OA. This was noted as a “strong association”.
** So what should you do if you are aged 45+ and have foot pain? **
Don’t put up with it!
Come and see us for a full assessment. Who knows, with the right combination of Podiatry and Physiotherapy, you might just save your knee!
See the link for study abstract here: http://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(16)30441-1/pdf