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February 2, 2009

Today's Lesson: Knees

I have an exam on the knee tomorrow in musculoskeletal class so every body gets to share my "knee pain." Knee pain has many causes, many of which have nothing to do with the knee. As clinicians, it is our job to always check out the joints above and below the knee to make sure they are not contributing to or injured by compensation for knee pain.

The knee is a hinge joint surrounded by a joint capsule filled with synovial fluid. Inside the knee capsule is a cartilage like ring called a meniscus that helps stabilize and distribute forces within the knee. There are lots of ligaments inside and outside the knee to help with tracking and stabilization.

Of course, one of the most famous disorders of the knees is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear. This ligament is one of the two ligaments in the middle of the knee joint that forms an X. It's primary job is to prevent the lower leg bone (tibia) from sliding forward (anteriorly) compared to the upper leg bone (femur).

Don't forget the patella or knee cap. It is the largest sesamoid (free floating) bone in the body. It tracks in a groove created by the thigh bone (femur) as the leg bends and straightens. Pain around the knee cap can be a patellofemoral joint problem due to overuse, mistracking, or degenerative changes due to age.

Well, that's about all for now. There are lots of disorders I could write about but I need to get back to studying. By the way, a massage aimed at the muscles that control the knees and and around the knee cap feels wonderful and can help maintain optimal knee function, especially in athletes.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at February 2, 2009 9:19 PM