Higher Q Angle in Women Increases Chances of Having Knee Pain

  Have you ever heard of the Q angle?  No, it has nothing to do with algebra.  This angle is especially important for women who frequently walk, run or climb stairs as part of their fitness regime.  The Q angle indicates how functionally aligned your pelvis, leg and foot are.

 The Q angle is the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patellar tendon.  Women have a greater Q angle compared to men as their pelvis is wider.  When measured standing, the Q angle for women is normally between 18-22 degrees.  If your Q angle is above 22 degree, your knees will sustain greater biomechanical stresses during strenuous or repetitive activities. 

 A high Q angle increases the chances of developing various knee problems.  One of the most common problems associated with an increased Q angle is patellofemoral tracking syndrome.  A high Q angle interferes with the smooth gliding movement between the knee cap and the knee.  Over time, especially with repetitive activities, this type of micro trauma causes non-specific pain to the front of your knee.  As this abnormal tracking continues between the knee cap and the knee, various knee muscles become imbalanced, and the cartilage on the underside of the knee cap begins to wear and thin.  Eventually your knees become degenerative and develop osteoarthritis. 

 Over pronation or flat foot is one of the most common causes of an increased Q angle.  Excessive pronation is a result of too much rolling inward of your heel and mid-foot beyond the normal limits during standing, walking or running. 

 Consult with a knowledgeable health care provider if you’re concern about your Q angle.  It should be evaluated and measured in the standing upright posture so that normal weight bearing stresses are taken into account.

 The most effective way to decrease a high Q angle and reduce the biomechanical stresses to your knees is to implement customized orthotics.  Chiropractic care to the hip, knee and foot also provide therapeutic relief to various knee pains associated with an increased Q angle.  Stretching of the quadriceps, hamstrings, iliotibial band and calf muscles and strengthening of the vastus medialis oblique muscle should be a part of the treatment package. 

Dr. Danny Tong is a chiropractor specializes in soft tissue treatments for the shoulders and knees.  For more information please visit www.chirogolf.net