Ankle Dysfunction Leads to Increased Knee Pain

Another study has found a connection between ankle dysfunction and knee arthritis.

Researchers followed 1,368 subjects over the course of four years.  These researchers found that subjects who had any form of ankle dysfunction at the onset of the study were more likely to display signs of knee arthritis four years later.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that when the ankle is dysfunctional, the knee is forced to compensate unfavorably, leading to knee pain over time.  Those who wish to prevent knee pain should be sure to have their ankles examined and treated for any dysfunction.

 

Paterson, K. L., Kasza, J., Hunter, D. J., Hinman, R. S., Menz, H. B., Peat, G., & Bennell, K. L. (2017). Longitudinal association between foot and ankle symptoms and worsening of symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.