Patellofemoral pain, or anterior knee pain, is the most common type of knee pain in Nordic skiing. Repetitive stress to the soft tissue around the patella (knee cap) occurs due to poor tracking of the patella in the femoral groove. This poor tracking can be the result of hip weakness causing poor control of movement of the femur (thigh bone), poor stabilization from the foot and ankle, and poor skiing technique.
Typically poor tracking of the patella is caused by a combination of the factors mentioned above, all of which result in a collapsing of the knee inward on the stance leg. Proper strength and conditioning of the hips along with working on proper single leg squat form can help prevent this from occurring. Additionally, working on your balance and getting orthotics for your ski boots will help prevent the development of patellofemoral pain. If you need guidance for a proper strength and conditioning program or need custom orthotics for your boots, our team at Excel Physical Therapy can help.
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Jason Lunden, DPT, SCS specializes in the rehabilitation and prevention of sports-related injuries, with a particular interest in the biomechanics of sporting activities – running, cycling, skiing, snowboarding and overhead athletics. He has published on the topic of shoulder biomechanics and the rehabilitation of knee injuries and has a strong commitment to educating others. Jason serves as a physical therapist for the US Snowboarding and US Freeskiing teams and is a frequent, well-received local and national presenter on the topics of sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. If you have specific questions about how to strengthen, restore, and get back on the slopes and trails, contact us at Excel Physical Therapy, 406.556.0562 in Bozeman, Montana or 406.284.4262 in Manhattan, Montana. #excelptmt
