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Dr. Chris Ramsey (physical therapist, triathlete, and coach) fields questions from our readers to provide insight on a range of topics including injury rehab and prevention, training, and racing.

 

Written by Dr. Chris Ramsey    Sunday, 04 October 2009 19:38    PDF Print E-mail
Knee Pain Might Need You to Focus Attention Elsewhere


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Dear Dr. Chris: I've been experiencing knee pain (mostly with running) for several years now.  I have seen multiple physical therapists, massage therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and while the treatments seem to help for a short period of time, they never seem to make it go away.  Recently, I think I've landed on part of the issue, though.  I feel like my hips aren't very strong, and after starting some exercises at the gym for them, my knee really seems to be getting better.  Do you think there may be some connection?  I'd really like to have this pain go away!  - Dan,  Connecticut

Hi Dan - you are absolutely correct in that there is a connection between the hips and the knees!  And you are in really good company with knee issues, as cycling and running are often associated with knee pain.Below is a basic example of such an exercise.

  • Lift one foot off the floor (slight bend in the leg you're standing on)
  • Do this by lifting your hip towards your armpit to "shorten" your leg
  • Maintain this position throughout the exercise
  • Lift the "up" leg out to the side
  • Keep this leg turned in (knees "glancing" at each other)
  • Pause for 1sec out to the side
  • Slowly lower back to the start but keep the foot up in the air
  • Try to keep your balance and avoid touching the foot to the ground
  • "Good Technique" means:
  • Don't let the "up" foot turn out
  • Don't lean to the side


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10. Fredericson M, Cookingham CL, Chaudhari AM, Dowdell BC, Oestreicher N, Sahrmann SA. Hip abductor weakness in distance runners with iliotibial band syndrome. Clin J Sport Med. Jul 2000;10(3):169-175.
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