chronic knee pain caused by ankle malfunction

[mattlorig]

For about 10 years now I've dealt with knee pain.

The pain started back in 2001, when a doctor noticed that I have one leg which is roughly 1/2 cm shorter than the other. He suggested I wear a heel lift in my short leg, even though I had never had any pain or problems associated with this condition.

Being rather naive at the time, I listened to him and got a heel lift. Even though I hated wearing it, I stuck with the program for about 6 months, which is when I started having sever pain in my right knee (the short leg). I soldiered on for another 3 months or so, before the pain became so unbearable, I could hardly walk.

My knee has never been the same. Walking and standing always are troublesome -- they just feel "wrong". Though, I can still run, squat, etc.

Anyway, I've tried for 9 years to figure this out. There's no structural damage in my knee (MRI, X-rays, etc.). And, open chain exercises are no problem (i.e. leg extension). It only when I have to balance on my right foot that I have difficulties.

At this point, I'm convinced that the problem is that I roll my right foot out all the time. I never let the ankle relax. If I really really concentrate, I can "force" my ankle to relax. When I do this, everything feels fine -- even normal. My foot feels comfortable on the ground, and my knee feels great. But, I just can't seem to get my ankle to relax on a consistent basis, no matter how hard I try. Nine years of incorrect walking/standing mechanics have conditioned my body to constantly malfunction.

Any suggestions on how I can "recondition" my body to use it's ankle correctly would be GREATLY appreciated. Frankly, I'm tired of dealing with this -- it's a significant source of stress in my life.

[isis]

Have you tried Rolfing or Hellerwork? both are deep tissue massage done with the goal of improving posture and movement.

[mattlorig]

Have you tried Rolfing or Hellerwork?

No. But, I shall be reading about both of them today. Thank you.

[Gwyn Brookes]

I highly recommend the Feldenkrais Method.

[Monster]

Active Release Technique.

[mattlorig]

Active Release Technique.

Thanks for the suggestion Monster. Actually, I've had ART for an unrelated problem. It does do wonders for muscle tissue. Unfortunately, this isn't a issue with my muscle tissue. Over the past 9 years or so, I have ingrained some very incorrect motor pathways into my ankle. I am constantly over-supinating my ankle (i.e. rolling my ankle outward). Somehow, I have to unlearn my current manner of walking and standing, and relearn the correct way.

[jwhal]

I've been dealing with knee, hip and lower back pain for six years now, due to a number of tight/weak muscles. See the following two articles:

http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/m...e.php?id=13671

http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/m...e.php?id=13710

Not saying this is your problem...

Jon