Episode Summary
Learn how to assess knee pain systematically, from simple observation and squat mechanics to ankle mobility, hip function, and strength testing. Discover how key movement patterns and measurable deficits can reveal the true drivers of symptoms and guide targeted treatment.
The examination focuses on identifying the physical deficits contributing to knee pain through a structured objective assessment. It begins with simple observation, including quadriceps muscle bulk, limb appearance, and foot arch profile, before moving into functional tasks such as double-leg and single-leg squats. These movements help assess symptom reproduction, balance, movement willingness, and patterns such as dynamic knee valgus, pelvic drop, and loss of medial arch height.
The assessment then explores possible mobility restrictions, especially ankle dorsiflexion in weight-bearing, using an inclinometer to compare straight-knee and bent-knee range. Hip and knee joint motion are also examined for symmetry, restriction, and potential structural limitations. Further testing includes patellofemoral mobility, palpation of the patella, patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and Hoffa’s fat pad, along with hamstring length.
Strength testing follows, covering hip abductors, hip extension, quadriceps, and hamstrings, with manual methods or a handheld dynamometer. Hip rotation and quadriceps force in sitting are also measured. The process ends by using these findings to explain the main deficits and guide an individualized treatment plan.
