Soles in Motion is all about keeping you in the game, active and pain-free. We offer solutions by giving you the information to make the right decision.
If your knee pain is distracting you during or after the game, you need to know why. It could be Patella Femoral Syndrome, sometimes referred to as Runners Knee. PFPS is one of the most common of all knee injuries in active people. The knee is a complex joint that not only bends and straightens but also twists and rotates. The knee is not a simple ball-and-socket joint, like the hip. It depends heavily on the soft tissues that surround it, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments because it is a weight-bearing joint that is subjected to many different types of motion.
People with patella femoral knee syndrome (PFPS) usually have pain in the front of the knee, around or beneath the kneecap. Patients may have difficulty going up or downstairs. Also, after remaining seated for a prolonged time, they may experience extreme discomfort with their first few steps after rising. You may also complain of joint locking or the feeling of joint instability. Quadriceps strengthening is recommended as these muscles play a significant role in the patellar movement. Hip, hamstring, calf and iliotibial band (IT band) stretching may also be important. Custom orthotics can be helpful in patients with a wide variety of lower extremity complaints, including patellofemoral pain. Bracing can also be an effective conservative treatment for decreasing the symptoms. Braces for patella femoral syndrome help to reduce pain resulting from maltracking or patella instability. However, there are many, many types of braces for PFPS, what your friend wears and works for them may not work for you. Seeing one of our professionals that researches your activity level, pain history and recommends braces for you to try on is the best solution.
Another common condition that affects many people is osteoarthritis of the knee. Knee osteoarthritis (OA), is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of articular cartilage. You will probably feel your knee is painful and stiff at times. It may only affect one side of the knee. The pain may feel worse at the end of the day, or when you move your knee, and it may improve when you rest.
Also, as part of our commitment to the treatment of OA, Soles in Motion is offering a no-risk 30 day trial on our Osteoarthritis Unloader Knee Braces. By unloading the affected compartment of the knee, the unloader brace offers people with knee OA a safe, proven, low-risk treatment that will reduce your pain and improve your mobility. We have seen results and are confident you will be able to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Soles in Motion encourages you to come in and talk to us, let us assess your gait and the footwear you are wearing, these too may be contributing to your pain. We are here to help and keep you moving no matter what your abilities!
Soles in Motion, 133 Baker Dr. Dartmouth 902-468-7911
Give us a call and book a free, no-obligation appointment with one of our professionals to see how we can help you!
– Submitted by Jen Estabrooks