In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy Clinics we are focused on identifying both the pain generator and the reasons why it is symptomatic. These may or may not occur in the same joint or structure. In many cases, the underlying reason we have pain may be driven from an adjacent body structure that influences the amount of load and/or function of the symptomatic area. An excellent example is patellofemoral pain. This common knee pain condition is most often due to impairments above and below the knee. We have found treating the core, hip, knee and foot/ankle provides the most effective exercise program for this condition. A recent research paper documents the importance of improving foot strength in patients with patellofemoral pain.
Kamel and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing two exercise intervention groups for patellofemoral pain (J Orthop Surg Res. 2024). Authors randomized 28 patients with patellofemoral pain to one of two strength training exercise groups. The first group received hip and knee exercises while the second performed the same exercises in addition to short foot strengthening exercises. Authors found both groups improved, but greater positive change in pain, function, and stability were found among the participants who added in short foot exercises.
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