Knee Functions & Issues
Anatomy & Physiology
Overview
In this lesson, we introduce potential issues and conditions of the knees.
Objective
Learn common types of knee issues and potential causal factors.
What You'll Get
Explain the primary function of the knee and how the knee is unlike other hinge joints. Describe some symptoms associated with knee conditions and potential causes for knee pain. Describe visible signs that can indicate an imbalanced pull of muscles on the kneecap and hip issues that can be related to knee conditions. Describe other potential reasons for knee pain and provide the name for a condition caused when the cartilage of the knee degenerates and gradually wears away. Describe knee joint hyperextension and explain why it’s a concern and how you can address it. Explain how you can respond to knock knees and why bow legs are a concern.
Function
- The primary function of the knee is to flex and extend the lower leg relative to the thigh.
- The range of motion is determined by each person’s particular bones and ligaments. For averages, see Joint Movements.
- Knee joint movement is essential to such everyday activities as walking, running, sitting and standing.
- Unlike other hinge joints, the knee also allows some rotation when flexed.
STRENGTH & ADAPTATION
The knee… must be strong, because a great amount of our body weight passes through it… It must also be flexible enough to deal with the adaptations of the ankle and foot, which change shape and position… [and] it must adapt to the hip and its role as we walk. When the balance between these joints and their roles (strength and flexibility) goes awry, the knee often receives the forces. – David Keil
Symptoms or Concerns
- Swelling & acute pain
- Chronic pain in knees
- Stiffness in knees after immobility
- Difficulty walking up or down stairs (different causal factors for each)
- Knees that “snap, crackle, and pop” when bent or extended
- Feeling that the knees are buckling
- Knees that tend to hyperextend
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