Science

Pain syndromes that mess with your body and your tongue

Alrighty, let's dive back into our chat about pain, honing in on patellofemoral pain syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome. They might tie your tongue up in knots, but trust me, they're a lot easier to fend off and bounce back from.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition causing pain at the front of the knee, particularly around the kneecap (patella). This syndrome typically arises from the weakness of the quadriceps, the muscles at the front of your thigh. Persistent knee hyperextension during a kick may stress the knee, making it more susceptible to pain. If the quadriceps are weak, controlling the extension of the kick without locking or overextending it becomes challenging. Therefore, maintaining strong quadriceps is vital for healthy knee joints. One way to achieve this is by incorporating Goblet squats into your workout routine. This exercise not only fortifies your quadriceps but also helps position them more functionally, potentially preventing future knee pain.

Discomfort in the lateral region of the knee can result from an iliotibial band strain or a ligament sprain. If you have a ligament sprain, you may feel instability inside your knee and pain during lateral movements like shuffling. You might also experience sharp, shooting pain along your knee's side.

On the other hand, iliotibial band syndrome can be more challenging to identify. Such injuries are common in sparring; for example, sliding in on your opponent with a side kick without your body weight following the kick's movement could lead to injury. Continual kicking without adequate strength training over the years can also cause iliotibial band issues.

Treatment and prevention of this syndrome may include specially designed exercises such as Cross-stretch with rope (both laying down and standing), Knee flexion, and others. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines after training are also essential. However, it's crucial to seek a timely diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Our team at Abe Health, in collaboration with St James Hospital, proudly offers free AI-based assessments for challenging musculoskeletal disorders.

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