Did you know that knee pain can be caused by your spine? Part 2

In our previous article, our spine surgeon in Boynton Beach – Dr. Matthew Hepler explained how knees are linked to your spine and presented the first two of four signs that your knee pain may be caused by your spine. Today we will focus on  the other two signs. 

4 signs your knee pain comes from your spine

3. Bunion formation

We know that it may be surprising for you as it’s hard to see any connection between bunions and spine. You may ask, how do bunions have an impact on your back or knee? However, bunions may be a consequence of back problems. Moreover, if you experience bunions and back problems, then there is a high chance of knee pain. How does it happen? A back problem can cause the stabilizing foot muscles to weaken and create bunions. The L5 spinal nerve travels to the muscles that support the inside of the foot, while the S1 nerve travels to the muscles that help support the outside of the foot.

What does it mean? If any of these nerves are injured, the muscles that support the foot when you walk, run or even stand, cannot effectively do their job. This will cause foot pronation, which can lead to back pain. Bunions are mostly hereditary. However, they may also be more likely to form, or worsen with prolonged foot pronation. That means, lower back pain can be caused by bunions, but bunions can also form due to lower back pain. So weakness in these areas will make the knee joint work harder, wear faster and as a result cause knee pain.

4. Hip, or Quadricep Weakness.

What is quadriceps femoris? The quadriceps femoris or quad muscle is a group of muscles located at the front of the thigh and is responsible for straightening the leg from a bent position. “The Latin translation of ‘quadriceps’ is ‘four headed,’ as the group contains four separate muscles.” According to The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) there is a relationship between quadricep muscle weakness and worsening of knee pain. What’s more, there is a series of nerves present between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. They carry nerve impulses that will in the end serve the motor functions of the quadriceps femoris. That means, the rectus femoris, which is the only one in the quadriceps group that crosses over your hip joint, will affect movement there. Also, if your hip is not sufficiently strong, the problem can be in your spine.

We will say it again – weakness in these body areas will make the knee work harder and wear off faster.    

Learn more about Spine Surgeon in Boynton Beach – Dr. Matthew Hepler, M.D.

If you suspect that your knee pain may be caused by your spine, visit our spine specialist Dr. Hepler. He can quickly assess your condition and use specific methods to determine if your pain is coming from your spine, or your knee. Dr. Matthew Hepler provides leading expertise with compassionate, individualized care throughout South Florida (Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale). If you would like more information, or to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.