Share and Tear: How Your Feet Connect to ACL Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a vital structure in the knee joint, but did you know the health of your feet plays a significant role in its stability and function?

In this article, at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we will unfurl the tightly wound yet not-well-known connection between our feet and the ACL.

Foot Positioning

The alignment and mechanics of your feet can directly influence the stress placed on the ACL. Improper foot mechanics, such as excessive pronation or supination, can alter the alignment of the knee joint and increase the risk of ACL tears.

  • Pronation: When the foot rolls inward excessively, it can place stress on the ACL. An NIH study concluded that toe-in-foot direction during a dynamic movement increases the risk of ACL injury. 

  • Supination: When the foot rolls outward excessively, it can also contribute to ACL instability.

  • Flat footing: The foot and lower leg act as a single segment, which reduces the calf muscles' ability to absorb ground reaction forces (GRFs). This can sometimes cause the leg to buckle under the energy from the GRFs. 

Foot Factors That Increase ACL Risk

  • Muscle imbalances: Weak foot muscles can increase stress on the ACL. Lack of coordination and stability can mitigate shock absorption and lead to improper foot mechanics, both of which are imperative to preventing the awkward foot landings detailed above.

  • Flexibility: Limited ankle flexibility can affect knee alignment and increase the risk of ACL tears. We recommend that you properly condition yourself for your sport, including sports-specific movements such as ladder training and drills.

  • Footwear: Improper footwear can contribute to foot mechanics that increase ACL risk. Footwear with adequate support, however, can ensure proper foot alignment and reduce stress on the knee joint.

  • Previous injuries: History of ankle sprains or other foot injuries can predispose individuals to ACL tears.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a multitude of foot and ankle problems. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are delighted to serve our Hartford County patients. To book an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041. For an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.

ACL InjuryPodiatryCare and the Heel Pain CenterACL, Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Knee Joint, Feet, ACL Injury, Foot Positioning, Footwear, Ankle Sprains, PodiatryCare PC and the Heel Pain CenterComment