What is the Q angle?

– The Q angle is the angle formed by two lines that represent the direction of force of the quadriceps muscle and the patellar tendon. The quadriceps muscle is the large muscle in the front of your thigh that helps you straighten your knee. The patellar tendon is the band of tissue that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). The Q angle measures how well your kneecap is aligned with your knee joint. A normal Q angle is usually less than 18 degrees for men and less than 22 degrees for women.

– A low Q angle is a term that describes the angle between the quadriceps muscle and the patella (kneecap) in relation to the tibia (shinbone).

– The Q angle is measured by drawing two lines: one from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the center of the patella, and another from the center of the patella to the tibial tubercle.

– The Q angle is usually smaller in men than in women, because women tend to have a wider pelvis. A normal Q angle for men is about 14 degrees, and for women is about 17 degrees.

– A low Q angle means that the angle is less than the normal range. This can indicate that the quadriceps muscle has a more vertical line of pull on the patella, which may reduce the lateral force on the patella and decrease the risk of patellar instability or dislocation.

However, a low Q angle can also be associated with other factors that may affect the knee joint, such as:

• A narrow pelvis or a small intercondylar notch (the groove where the patella sits in the femur).

• A medial rotation of the tibia or a lateral rotation of the femur.

• A hypoplastic or medially displaced tibial tubercle.

• A tight iliotibial band (ITB) or a weak vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle

• A genu varum (bow-legged) or a genu valgum (knock-kneed) posture.

– A low Q angle can have different implications for different individuals, depending on their anatomy, biomechanics, and activity level. Some people may have a low Q angle without any problems, while others may experience pain, stiffness, or reduced function in their knee. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or a physiotherapist if you have any concerns about your Q angle or your knee health. They can assess your condition and provide you with appropriate advice and treatment.

– A larger Q angle may indicate that your kneecap is pulled too far to the side, which can cause pain and instability in your knee. You can measure your Q angle by drawing a line from your hip bone (anterior superior iliac spine) to the center of your kneecap, and another line from the center of your kneecap to the bump on your shinbone (tibial tubercle). The angle where these two lines meet is your Q angle. You can use a protractor or an app to measure the angle. You can also ask a doctor or a physical therapist to measure it for you. If you have a high Q angle, you may benefit from exercises that strengthen the muscles around your knee, especially the inner thigh muscles (vastus medialis obliquus). You may also need braces or orthotics to improve your knee alignment. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the underlying cause of the high Q angle, such as bone deformity or cartilage damage.

Can adults develop Genu valgum?

• Yes, adults can develop genu valgum, also known as knock-knees, due to various causes such as injury, infection, arthritis, obesity, or bone diseases.

– Genu valgum can cause symptoms such as knee pain, stiffness, limping, and difficulty walking or running.

How can I prevent Genu valgum?

• To prevent genu valgum, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, avoid activities that put excessive stress on the knees, and seek medical attention if you have any signs of infection or inflammation in your knee or leg.

– You can also do some exercises that strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and improve your alignment and mobility.

Can a high Q angle cause other problems?

• A high Q angle is the angle formed by two lines that represent the direction of force of the quadriceps muscle and the patellar tendon.

– A high Q angle can cause problems such as patellar instability, subluxation, or dislocation, which can lead to pain, swelling, and damage to the cartilage and bone in the knee joint.

How can I measure my Q angle at home?

• To measure your Q angle at home, you can use a protractor or an app to measure the angle between two lines. One line is drawn from your hip bone (anterior superior iliac spine) to the center of your kneecap, and another line is drawn from the center of your kneecap to the bump on your shinbone (tibial tubercle).

– You can also ask a doctor or a physical therapist to measure it for you.

What exercises should be done to strengthen the inner thigh muscles?

• Some exercises that can help you strengthen your inner thigh muscles are: inner thigh raise, inner thigh heel pulses, transverse lunge, ice skaters, lateral slide board glides, side lunge, and side step up.

– You can do these exercises at home without any equipment or with a resistance band or weights if you want to increase the intensity. You should aim to do at least three exercises for 10 to 15 repetitions each, two to three times a week.