The
Q angle is the angle measured between the quadriceps muscle and the
patella tendon, and can provide useful information about the alignment
of the knee joint.
On average this angle is greater in women than men, because of the wider pelvis in women. This increased Q angle places more stresses on the knee joint, as well as leading to increased foot pronation (flat feet) in women.
Whilst there may be other factors that lead to increased injury risk in women (eg. strength, skill), an increased Q angle has been linked to many injuries, particularly of the knee, including:
- Patellofemoral Syndrome (patella tracking)
- ACL Injuries (Ligament)
- Chondromalacia of the Knee (wearing of cartilage)
Strengthening and stretching exercises, often prevention programmes, have been shown to decrease the risk of injuries in female athletes, and custom orthotics work to decrease the Q angle, reducing pronation and putting less pressure on the knee.
On average this angle is greater in women than men, because of the wider pelvis in women. This increased Q angle places more stresses on the knee joint, as well as leading to increased foot pronation (flat feet) in women.
Whilst there may be other factors that lead to increased injury risk in women (eg. strength, skill), an increased Q angle has been linked to many injuries, particularly of the knee, including:
- Patellofemoral Syndrome (patella tracking)
- ACL Injuries (Ligament)
- Chondromalacia of the Knee (wearing of cartilage)
Strengthening and stretching exercises, often prevention programmes, have been shown to decrease the risk of injuries in female athletes, and custom orthotics work to decrease the Q angle, reducing pronation and putting less pressure on the knee.
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