What is a 'Q' Angle?
Did you ever wonder why females are more prone to knee injuries during sport activities?
One factor is the Q-Angle.
What is the relationship between Q-angle and females? Women are built with bio-mechanical differences compared to men. The female hormones create a wider pelvis for childbirth, contributing to a wider Q-angle. Experts have linked a wider pelvis to a larger Q angle and consequently more injury.
On average, females measure 3 degrees more than male for Q angle.
An increased Q-angle leads to increased excessive genu valgum (knock knees) contributing to increased stress on the knee joint, as well as increased foot pronation ( flat feet).
Common knee injuries associated with an increased Q-angle include:
patellofemoral pain syndrome: poor tracking of the knee cap
chondromalacia of the knee: wear of the cartilage on the undersurface of the knee cap
ACL injuries: including sprains, or complete rupture
MCL injuries
It creates more force on the outside of the knee contributing to osteoarthritis.
An increased Q-angle and genu valgum ( knock knees) could be exacerbated by muscle imbalances, muscle weakness of the core/hip or lower extremity and increased foot pronation.
How to reduce your Q-angle:
Strengthening hip and core muscles
Improving biomechanics ( form) with squatting, jumping, and running
Stretching tight muscles around the hip/knee joint
Wearing proper footwear to reduce over-pronation of your feet
A physical therapist can help educate you on your Q-Angle, address prevention of injury and guide you through the appropriate exercises for strengthening, stretching and form.
References:
Q angle injuries and pain in women athletes. https://www.verywellfit.com/q-angle-and-injuries-in-women-athletes-3120841