Dynamic knee control is a fancy way of saying, what your knee and leg are doing when you move. It is very important for the alignment of your feet up to your low back.
The difference between dynamic and static knee control may be obvious but is important to understand. Static knee control is the position your knee takes when you are standing and still. Sometime people will have 'knocked' or 'bowed' knees turning in or outward. This static position can be due to weak muscles in the hips or feet, dropped arches, or injuries and compensations. It is important to understand static postures because some people may present with perfect static alignment, but as soon as dynamic movement occurs, everything is disrupted.
When we move certain muscles need to be activated and counteract other muscle groups to keep postures and alignment in order. It is when these balancing muscles don't work properly that dynamic control can be insufficient. Common muscles that get weak and affect knee control are the gluteus medius, inner quadricep, hamstring, popliteus behind the knee, and the intrinsic muscles of the foot. It is our jobs as Physiotherapists and Chiropractors to properly assess these muscles and how they function.
Joint fixations can also contribute to poor dynamic control. If the knee joint for example is restricted due to injury or arthritis, it may not be able to bend properly. This lack of motion will cause the body to compensate and cause injury.
Some injuries that can occur because of poor dynamic control include:
- Shin splints
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- IT Band syndrome
- Low Back Pain
The best way to address dynamic control is to get properly assessed and prescribed the proper exercises. Dynamic exercises with proper form in mind is best, things such as lunges, squats, single leg bends, lateral movements can all help.
