What Can I Do About Tinnitus, The Non-Stop Ringing In My Ears?

Tinnitus is a common problem, which affects 50 million Americans, according to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). For one third of those who suffer from tinnitus, the problem is "significantly annoying", for 1 percent of tinnitus sufferers this condition is debilitating and it interferes with sleep and their ability to lead a normal life. The "ringing in the ears" is described as static, screeching, ringing, hissing, crickets, whooshing, roaring, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, or dial tones, as stated by By Janice Howard, MA, CCC-A, member of the Tinnitus Practitioner's Association, in her article Tinnitus Treatment Saves a Marriage. Some people report hearing music and even voices. Hearing voices falls in the auditory hallucination realm, while hearing music is somewhere in between tinnitus and auditory hallucinations and is beyond the scope of this article.

Many tinnitus sufferers believe they have a terrible disease which is causing the ringing in their ears. When they seek medical help and their medical providers tell them they can't find anything wrong and to "learn to live with it", despair and isolation increases, which in turn might make tinnitus worse. Tinnitus is not a disease, it's a symptom. Several medical conditions may cause tinnitus, therefore it is important to have a complete medical evaluation if you experience tinnitus, which should begin with a visit to an audiologist, preferably one familiar with tinnitus. The audiologist can then make a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT) or family practice physician if needed. Once you've been medically cleared, that is, if your doctor can't find any medical reason for the tinnitus, you should seek the help of a professional who specializes in tinnitus management. Good places to start are the Tinnitus Practitioner's Association and the American Tinnitus Association.

Some conditions that may cause tinnitus are:

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)

Noise exposure with or without hearing loss

Earwax

Otosclerosis (arthritis of the middle ear bones)

Stress and depression

TMJ disorders (problems with the temporomandibular joint)

Head or neck injuries

Tumors

Blood vessel disorders

Atherosclerosis

High blood pressure

Some medications

However, for many people the cause of ringing in the ears is not known.

People react differently to tinnitus. Some find it a little annoying and others find it debilitating. Unlike what most people think, the actual "volume" of the ringing is not very different between the groups, that is, it's not that tinnitus is softer in those who feel mildly annoyed, rather, it's the person's reaction to the noise that makes it either annoying or unbearable. There are several treatments that can help people cope with their tinnitus, including:

Counseling

Hearing aids

Medications

Psychological therapy

Sound therapy

It is important to know that as of this writing there is no cure for tinnitus, however, this doesn't mean there is no help for dealing with it. Many tinnitus sufferers have gotten their lives back by seeking help.

I will explore the "why" and "how" tinnitus therapy works on my next article.

Forward Head Posture Correction

Forward head posture is a pathological structural abnormality in which the head is translated anterior in relation to the rest of the body. The normal static upright posture for the skull is where the center of mass of the skull [generally at the external auditory meatus] is aligned over the center of mass of the thorax [generally the midpoint of the shoulder].

There are many reasons why people develop forward head posture. The incidence of this problem has grown exponentially with the advent of the personal computer and video games. There is also a direct correlation between whiplash injuries (due to acceleration-deceleration trauma in an auto accident), and the incidence of forward head posture. There is no data to support whether it is more prevalent in males or females, or what age brackets are most affected.

Because of gravitational stress, it is important that there is normal alignment with regard to the skull on the thorax and the thorax on the pelvis. Research has shown for every one inch of anterior head translation, there is a doubling of gravitational compressive loading exerted on the muscles and joints of the cervical and thoracic spine. For example, if the head weighs 10 pounds, if there is a one inch anterior translation, the result is 20 pounds of gravitational stress being exerted on the body; two inches of anterior head posture = 30 pounds of gravitational stress. This accounts for why people who have forward head posture have chronic suboccipital pain, as well as pain in the traps, rhomboids, and other muscles which help to maintain the posture. These muscles are fatigued and end up developing spasms and trigger points. Additionally research has shown forward head posture is damaging to the joints (resulting in arthritis, degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease).

The normal anatomical configuration for the lateral (saggital) cervical spine is a lordosis (or forward curve). The ideal-normal curve is 42 degrees of a circle (as measured between C2 and C7). There is a strong relationship between forward head posture and the loss of a normal cervical curve (and/or a reversal of the normal cervical curve). In the most severe instances, there is a multiple harmonic configuration (where within the span of C2 to C7, there are multiple curves). This is pathological and unstable.

There is a legitimate and scientifically founded reason to rehabilitate the cervico-thoracic spine to correct structural abnormalities (such as forward head posture) even going beyond the resolution of pain. This runs contrary to the current medical model which is symptom specific only (in other words - you stop treating once the patient is asymptomatic). Structural correction of the spine is more akin to orthodontics for the teeth. The clinical goal is not the simple amelioration of pain, but rather the correction of abnormal and pathological posture (which will result in chronic and permanent damage to soft and hard spinal tissues).

People suffering with forward head posture have sought a variety of treatments including medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture. I have found the most effective treatment plan must involve a combination of modalities which serve to restore motion, alignment and strength. The first issue that needs handled is the restoration of motion (to the joints and the muscles). The most effective way to accomplish this is via chiropractic adjustments, stretching (active assisted and proprioceptive neurofascilitation or "PNF" stretching). Additionally, a variety of muscle and soft tissue therapies (such as Nimmo Ischemic Compression, Active Release Technique, Graston and Kinesiotaping) all have proven to be useful for the restoration of normal motion.

Once the patient's full, pain-free range of motion has been restored, the alignment may be addressed. The most effective way of correcting the forward displacement is via two-way extension-compression traction. The two way traction exerts forces on the patient in two different vectors. One part exerts force on the patient's forehead, gently pulling the head posterior (backward). It moves the skull back over the center of mass of the shoulder. The second force is applied to the back of the patient's neck, gently pulling it anterior (forward) to restore the curve in the neck). Research has shown the most effective results occur when this traction is done for a minimum of seven minutes to a maximum of twenty minutes. After twenty minutes, no further clinical benefits are obtained. The traction can be thought of as a long-slow adjustment. The purpose of it is to structurally deform the ligaments which are responsible for maintaining the saggital (lateral) shape of the spine (most notably the anterior longitudinal ligament). It takes time to overcome the hysteresis and creep properties of the elastic cartilage. The patient is to traction their own neck at home every day (seven days per week, and doing multiple sessions per day).

While the alignment is being addressed via traction, there must also be restoration of the strength and stability of the cerviothoracic spine. This is accomplished via a variety of specific exercises. The exercises are designed to build endurance and strength in all planes of movement. The patient is to start the exercise campaign doing isometric contractions followed by gentle proprioceptive exercises (which stimulate the joint mechanoreceptors and assist in building stability). Stability and endurance must be developed before strength. After this, the patient needs to build strength through isokinetic exercises. The areas to be addressed include the neck, upper back, chest and shoulders. The patient needs to be evaluated for asymmetrical contractions, cross body patterns and abnormal firing patterns.

When the patient has full, pain-free range of motion, no anterior translation of the skull on the thorax, a 42 degree cervical lordosis and has excellent strength & stability they are then "normal" and to be discharged from care. Intermittent follow up examinations (wellness checkups) are advised to make sure there hasn't been any regression.

Why Do I Have Burning Knee Joints? - Face the Pain With the Use of a Knee Brace

Whether you are an athlete, or you are just an active person, burning knee pain can ruin everything. You may be wondering how to address this pain without sleeping with a bottle of pain killers next to you. If you want to take a fresh look at how to face your knee pain, then read on...

When you suffer from burning knee pain, it can obviously keep you from enjoying simple daily activities. If you've ever experienced burning knee joints, you know how excruciating the pain can be. It's as if someone lit a fire under your patella.

So what should you do? Stop exercising? Stop living your life? Take a lot of pain medication on a routine basis? How about costly, long-lasting sessions of therapy? Or maybe an invasive surgical procedure is the only cure?

Face it: none of these options are pleasant, and while more extensive treatment may be necessary in the long run, there is something you can do in the meantime to help douse the fire: Wear a knee brace.

While only a qualified medical specialist can determine the cause of burning knee joints, in most cases, knee braces may help reduce the pain and add needed stability.

The burning joint pain that you feel in your knee is caused by inflammation. The burning knee pain you have can come from several different knee conditions. For instance wear and tear on the disc-like cartilage within the knee (otherwise known as the Meniscus), often causes inflammation, resulting in burning knee joints. Also, overuse can cause inflammation, as can arthritis, bursitis or a ligament tear. The inflammation is exacerbated by using the knee, and the more the knee is used, the more prominent the burning sensation becomes.

Consequently, any one of these and many other conditions can result in the symptom of burning knee joints.

A knee support is designed to easily fit on your leg, without being bulky, and can help support you while also allowing mobility. In this way, by helping to provide extra support to the joint itself, the brace helps to reduce stress on the joint when the knee is in use. The reduction of stress in turn helps to reduce the inflammation, and thus reduce the burning sensation. Therefore, with proper use, a knee brace may help you perform daily activities and partake in sports without being sidelined by burning knee joints.

This, of course is good news. But you may be thinking that you will have to save a ton of money to buy a well designed knee support. The even better news, therefore, is that in most cases, the knee brace you use does not have to be custom made!

There are many types and styles of knee braces available, each designed to fit your knee comfortably. This means that not only are knee braces readily available, but they are also more affordable since they do not have to be custom made.

A Look at Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms vary widely among sufferers, but generally include muscle and joint aches, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and tenderness in several of eighteen specific areas, or "trigger points" on the body. Fibromyalgia is often overlooked by sufferers as the inevitable result of a busy schedule and everyday stress. When patients do seek treatment, doctors often misdiagnose fibromyalgia as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or another musculoskeletal condition. It affects women far more often than men, at a ratio of about ten to one. While some cases result from a specific trauma, more often the exact cause is unknown.

The first step to fibromyalgia pain relief is being properly diagnosed. The condition is not completely understood by the medical community, and there is no specific course of treatment. Most advice given to patients reads like a weight-loss program, recommending low-intensity exercise, drinking lots of water, and reducing mental and physical stresses such as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, meat and sugar.

Anti-depressants are often prescribed as part of the treatment, which elevate the mood of the patient. Muscle relaxants and sleep aids may also be recommended. Since fibromyalgia sufferers are often found to be low in manganese and magnesium, both of which help balance thyroid function, nutritional supplements may prove beneficial as well.
Physical therapy is another essential component for fibromyalgia pain relief, as it teaches patients methods of walking, stretching, and exercise that reduce muscle tension and fatigue. A physical therapist will also teach patients how to make use of ergonomic tools in their daily life, like padded chairs and special keyboards designed to minimize muscle strain.

Some patients choose to incorporate alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy into their treatment. While the efficacy of these natural treatments has not been carefully studied and quantified, testimonials of fibromyalgia sufferers indicate that all of these alternative treatments may help alleviate symptoms of the disease. Whatever patients decide upon, it must be remembered that there is no simple cure for fibromyalgia, and a comprehensive plan that address mental and psychological symptoms and promotes healthy lifestyle habits is the most direct method of obtaining fibromyalgia pain relief.

Remedies for Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis - How to Prevent and Reverse Them Naturally

Although both conditions have genetic undertones there are several factors which may contribute or even trigger this degenerative bone disease (osteoporosis takes place where the bone density decreases over time with the potential risks of easy fractures - this can occur with or without osteoarthritis). These are lack of exercise to strengthen muscle and joint structures, nutritional deficiencies, side effects of a number of drugs and, of course, the hormonal changes after the menopause in women. Ageing can affect both genders but osteoporosis occurs much more often in women than in men.

There are several things you can do besides traditional medicine to slow the progress of the disease and perhaps even reverse bone damage. In this section we'll see what homeopathic remedies can do against both conditions and then (second part of this page) what herbal remedies can do against this degenerative bone disease. Bone degeneration and (in the case of osteoarthritis) cartilage degeneration share some similarities, especially in a homeopathic sense. Before continuing, though, bear in mind that this type of alternative medicine works best when it tackles not only the whole cluster of symptoms but also the individual's history, personality, tendencies, preferences, dislikes, fears and so on.

The following is a generic guideline to help your body use minerals and nutrients more effectively to help your bones as well as prevent fractures and promote healing of the bone structure and joints in general.

Calcarea carbonica: a great salt tissue remedy, often useful to those who suffer from bone and joint degeneration but also from chronic tiredness, from anxiety (even if mild) and tend to feel overwhelmed (from work, from stressful or challenging situations and so on). These individuals are often flabby or overweight and their symptoms aggravate in cold and damp environments. Occasionally they may have not only back pain and swollen joints but also specific cravings for eggs and sweets.

Calcarea phosphorica: often indicated for individuals who suffer from bone and joint degeneration but also from sore, stiff, and generally weak bones and joints. They may feel pain in the neck, upper back and in the hips; extreme tiredness may be present and this does not change after exercise. Bone fractures take a long time to heal though some areas of the bones may present irregular calcium deposits (suggesting imbalance in the bone nutritional process and bone repair). The personality of those for whom calcarea phosphorica may be indicated tend to be generally dissatisfied about their life and tend to prefer travelling and change as an attempt to remedy their inner dissatisfaction.

What You Should Know About Antibiotic Treatment During Dental Procedures

Dentists often administer antibiotics to patients. To alleviate any concern about antibiotics during dental treatment, you should become aware of their purpose during the procedure and how they can help.

When Are Antibiotics Used?

One important use of antibiotics during a dental procedure is to prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Depending on the type of dental work you have performed by a dentist, there is a chance that light bleeding may occur. If the tooth that is being worked on has an infection, a dentist can administer antibiotics during the dental procedure to kill the bacteria.

There are definite benefits of using antibiotics during dental procedures, but dental specialists use them in cases where they are essential. People with heart conditions must be extra careful during dental procedures because of a risk for developing infective endocarditis. The American Dental Association (ADA) worked with the American Heart Association (AHA) to develop standards for dentists to follow when determining if a patient requires antibiotics. People who are at risk for developing infective endocarditis, characterized by inflammation of the heart, are at the top of the list. In addition to people with heart disorders, individuals who have undergone joint replacement surgery are susceptible to developing infections of the bloodstream, and are recommended for antibiotic treatment when having dental procedures.

How Are Antibiotics Administered?

Most people are familiar with the pill form of antibiotics. In addition to this form, dentists also use other forms of antibiotics during procedures, including gel, chip, and powder. These forms of antibiotics are injected just under gum level where most infection-causing bacteria collect. They differ in the type of antimicrobial agent they contain: gel antibiotics contain Doxycline. Chip antibiotics contain Chlorhexadine, and the powder form uses Minocycline.

Preparing for Dental Work with Antibiotics

If your dentist informs you that you need a dental procedure and he or she is considering antibiotic treatment, the first item of importance is to make sure that you are an ideal candidate. If you have a health-related disorder or you are taking medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you can have antibiotic treatment.

The only other step you need to take to prepare for a dental procedure that involves the dentist administering antibiotics is to alert your dentist to any reactions you have after the procedure. Serious side effects are not typically associated with antibiotics. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, let your dentist know right away.

Common Function & Disfunction of the Knee

The knee joint is one of the major weight bearing joints, it has to cope with walking, running, bending, jumping and lifting objects. It also works in conjunction with the hip & ankle joints, assisting in static erect posture (standing). So not only does the knee joint need to offer stability & weight support, but it must also offer considerable mobility. It is no surprise then that it is one of the most commonly injured joints in the human body.

The joint is comprised of four main bones, the femur - the large bone in the thigh, attaches by ligaments to the tibia, the fibula which runs parallel to the tibia, and the patella (commonly known as the knee cap) which "rides" on the joint as the knee bends.

The joint itself has three main compartments, the main joint being the attachment of the femur & the tibia, this has an inner (medial) & an outer (lateral) section, the third compartment is the joining of the patella to the femur, namely the patellofemoral joint. The Patellofemoral joint is unique in that it protects the human body's other joints by acting as a "shock absorber".

The knee joint is, in good function, equipped with a large range of movement, strong ligaments and powerful muscles. The knee, unlike any other joint in the body, depends almost completely on its surrounding ligaments for stability. The two most important sets of ligaments are the cruciate ligaments located in front and back of the knee, and the collateral ligaments located on the sides of the knee. The ligaments strap the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (cruciate ligaments).
The muscles which go across the knee joint are the quadriceps and the hamstrings. The quadriceps are the big muscle group making up the front of the thigh. The muscle starts from the thigh bone, narrows down towards the knee to the kneecap and attaches to the "bump" on the shin bone just below the knee called the tibial tuberosity. The quadriceps are a very powerful muscle group and straightens the knee in such activities as standing up, going up stairs or running.

The hamstrings make up the back of the thigh, coming from the pelvis, running down the back of the thigh to attach to the back of the fibula and tibia just below the knee. This muscle group bends the knee and straightens the hip. The hamstrings are essential to the activities of sprinting and pushing against something or someone.

These are the two major muscle groups which control knee movement and are vital to the stability of the joint. There are other muscle groups which affect knee movement and stability, namely the calf muscles, the hip abductors located on the outer thigh, and the hip adductors located on the inner thigh..The iliotibial band also affects knee stability as do the glutes (buttocks).

The knee joint also has a structure made of cartilage, which is called the meniscus or meniscal cartilage. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tissue which fits into the joint between the tibia and the femur. It helps to protect the joint and allows the bones to slide freely on each other, as well as absorbing some of the load of the joint. There is also a bursa around the knee joint. A bursa is a little fluid sac that helps the muscles and tendons slide freely as the knee moves.

Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon, the patellar tendon which attaches to the front of the tibia.
A knee that is perfectly aligned has its load-bearing axis on a line that runs down the middle of the leg -- through the hip, knee and ankle. When the knee is not perfectly aligned (also referred to as malaligned), it is known as either varus (bow legged) or valgus alignment (knock-kneed).

Varus alignment causes the load-bearing axis to shift to the inside, causing more stress and force on the medial (inner) compartment of the knee. Individuals with varus alignment are highly susceptible to arthritis in the knee. Individuals who are either bow-legged or knock-kneed, are at higher risk for osteoarthritis, meaning they may be prone to knee pain and function problems later in life.

Imbalanced use of muscles is the major cause of joint dysfunction. The dysfunction may manifest as pain or limitations in movement, or both. If these symptoms are ignored, the dysfunction can result in deterioration of the cartilage in the joint. Joint dysfunction can be further exacerbated in the hips and knees due to the consistent weight-bearing on the legs while standing or walking. Without intervention, the cartilage will eventually become so worn away that the result will be "bone-on-bone" where there is virtually no cartilage left in the joint. At this point, joint movement is usually severely restricted.

The patella, the small bone in the front of the knee is embedded in the quadriceps (thigh muscle) tendon and acts to increase the biomechanical leverage of the quadriceps. The patella slides in a groove on the femur as the knee flexes and extends. Because the patella 'floats' within the substance of the quadriceps, proper tracking of this bone in the femoral groove is dependent on correct muscle balance to maintain a central position. Congenital anatomic factors such as the shape of the patella also influence this tracking. Because of the location of the patella, it is subject to higher stresses than other joint surfaces. So, despite having a thicker cartilage lining than any other bone, it often begins to wear out before other parts of the knee. Patella malalignment is an abnormality of the position or tracking of the patella, and has the potential to cause pain and/or instability.

The normal patella should track straight down the middle of the femoral groove. There are varying degrees of abnormal tracking, or patella malalignment. In mild cases of malalignment the patella is simply tilted in the groove, leading to increased pressure on the downward tilted side of the patella. In more severe cases, the patella will actually sublux, or slide partially out of the groove. In the most severe cases of malalignment, the patella can actually completely dislocate.

Proper tracking of the patella is influenced by many factors. Proper muscle balance is important and is one of the few factors that we can control. Usually the patella wants to sublux toward the outside of the knee (lateral). Strengthening the inside thigh muscle, the vastus medialis oblique can act to counter this tendency.
Tracking is also influenced by the anatomical shape of your patella, femoral groove, the angle your knee makes with your hip (knock knees) and even the position of your foot (pronation). The hip knee angle is important because the patella is embedded in the quadriceps tendon which originates at the hip and attaches at the knee. The more knock kneed someone is, the more of an angular pull occurs on the patella every time the quadriceps contracts.

Increased pronation of the foot (flat feet) can influence the tracking of the patella. This occurs because the rotation of the rest of the leg is affected by the way the foot contacts with the ground. Pronation of the feet can be caused by a number of factors including an imbalance in strength or tightness between the muscles in the calf (lateral gatrocnemius & the perroneals) and a comparative weakness in the glutes and the anterior tibialis & posterior tibialis.

Another common imbalance within the quadriceps muscle group in the front of the thigh, is between the outer quadriceps muscle (vastus lateralis) and the inner quadriceps muscle (vastus medialis), can also cause kneecap problems. These two muscles run down either side of the front of the thigh and attach to the kneecap. Part of their role is to stabilize the kneecap. When one side is stronger than the other, the kneecap can be pulled to one side. Runners frequently have comparatively stronger, tighter outer quadriceps muscles than inner quadriceps muscles, the kneecap can be pulled to the outer side. This mechanism is a common cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome, a common complaint of runners.

Another factor that can pull the knee out of alignment is tightness in the tensor fascia latae and more specifically the iliotibial band (a thick tendon-like portion of the tensor fasciae latae). This band passes down the outside of the thigh and inserts just below the knee. Tightness in this area can cause the tendon to pull the knee joint out of alignment and rub against the outside of the knee, which results in inflammation and pain. Such tightness is known "iliotibial band syndrome".

There are two main causes of knee pain associated with iliotibial band syndrome. The first is "overload" and the second is "biomechanical errors."

Overload is common with sports that require a lot of running or weight bearing activity. This is why ITBS is commonly a runner's injury. When the tensor fasciae latae muscle and iliotibial band become fatigued and overloaded, they lose their ability to adequately stabilize the entire leg. This in-turn places stress on the knee joint, which results in pain and damage to the structures that make up the knee joint. Biomechanical errors can be from muscle imbalance, compensatory or postural dysfunction, hip torsion, pronation of the feet or leg length difference.

During certain weight bearing exercises the knees may fall in towards the centre of the body (adduct). This may not be due to any problem with the knee, but rather a relative imbalance between the tightness the adductors & the ITB (iliotibial band), and the weakness or inhibition of the glutes. Conversely, where the knees fall outwards (abduct) this may be due to a comparative tightness of the biceps femoris, the iliopsoas & the piriformis in relation to the gluteal group.

Another area which is prone to injury is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) a vital stabilizing ligament in the knee. It is located deep inside the knee joint and provides nearly all of the stability to forward force on the joint. Injuries to this ligament are very common in aggressive sports and usually occur with a sudden hyperextension or rotational force to the join ie twisting fast etc.

With a torn ACL, there is increased play in the joint allowing shearing forces across the cartilage surface, and leading to progressive tearing of the cartilage discs (menisci) and breakdown of the joint surface. Over time, this breakdown leads to degenerative arthritis.

Another crucial factor that can cause dysfunction in the knee is a restriction in movement in the hip or ankle areas. If you lack movement at a joint which has a high degree of movement capacity (hips, or ankle), then another joint which has a lower degree of movement capacity, in this instance, the knees, is forced to compensate.

Indeed, such is the nature of the relationship between the hip and the knee, knee pain is frequently simply a manifestation of poor motor control or range in the hip, whether it be flexion, extension or rotation. Strengthening the hip stabilizers is a sound way to avoid common knee injuries.

Restriction in the movement of the hip may cause pain in the knee. The hip's normal range of internal and external rotation is 35-50 degrees internally and 50 degrees externally in a healthy hip. The knee can only perform this internal and external rotation minimally. When rotating the entire leg, most of the motion should come from the hip so as not to place too much torsion on the knee joint. If the hips are tight and range of motion is restricted, excess movement may be required of the knee and could account for pain felt in the knee joint.

Likewise, restriction of movement in the knee can result in pain in the hip. The knee's normal range of motion during flexion is 150 degrees and 180 degrees during extension. Although the hip can flex up to 135 degrees, it can only extend 30 degrees in a normal hip. So, compromised movement in the knee can require the hip to extend beyond its normal range of motion and reveal itself as hip pain.

Balanced movement in the hip and knee as well as between the hip and knee is the best prevention against deterioration and pain in these joints. Furthermore, mild to moderate deterioration may also be helped by restoring range of motion and balancing the actions of the muscles around the joint.

Meniscal tears occur when excessive motion of the knee places stress on these cushions between the femur and tibia. This can be from forced extension, flexion, side-to-side, or rotational motions. The tearing may be minor and have no mechanical effect on the normal gliding of the knee, or it may be greater and cause catching, popping, and even locking of the knee so that it will not extend completely.

Inappropriate ranges of motion within the knee in flexion and/or extension are common dysfunctions of the knee, and can create significant problems in the kinetic chain. Inadequate knee flexion reduces the limbs "shock absorption" qualities. This can affect an individual's gait. Insufficient knee flexion may actually be a secondary symptom of insufficient hip flexion. These dysfunctions can affect toe drag.

Weak quadriceps are a common cause of inadequate knee flexion or excessive knee extension. Excessive ankle plantar flexion is the most common cause of knee hyperextension. Excessive knee flexion and inadequate knee extension can be caused by a number of factors, including soleus & gastrocnemius weakness, or quadriceps weakness.

Some people stand and move while "locking" the knee out straight, even pressing it backward. This posture is sometimes called "splay-legs," and makes the leg look more crescent-shaped than straight. It puts body weight onto the joint while pressing the joint slightly out of place, putting damaging forces on the cartilage. Many people push their knees into hyperextension when standing and walking. Others "bang" the joint into straight position during exercise.

Any of these factors can cause varying degrees of pain, and short to long term damage, it is therefore important to look at the knee not simply as a separate part of the anatomy, but also as an integral part of the kinetic chain.