Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 06/23/2008 :  13:30:47  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "Please give me suggestions for alleviating pain from early pes anserine bursitis. I have recently started a new workout program and know that I strained my knee. I localized it to the pes anserine and need to know what are good quad exercises and what is "closed chain" exercise. Thank you."

Ask a PT Response: "Issues with biomechanics often contribute to the irritation of the pes anserine bursa. Contributory factors for altered biomechanics could be decrease flexibility (hamstrings, quads, ITB/Glut, calves and hip adductors), decrease joint mobility, decrease strength: quads, hamstrings, hips (flexors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators, external rotators, ankles, etc.), anatomical abnormalities (ie. leg length discrepancy, high arches, flat feet, etc). A physical therapist will attempt to determine the underlying cause of the problem and prescribe the appropriate exercises whether it be stretching, strengthening, postural/functional training, joint mobs, etc. Examples of strengthening and strethcing exercises prescribed by a PT can be found at: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptvidlist.asp . Icing the affected region is often prescibed by the PT for the patient as well.

As far as closed chain exercises, they are exercises which are performed against a surface such as a floor or plate of a machine vs open chain exercises which are perofrmed with no contact to a surface. Closed chain exercises are used to train a muscle group rather than targeting a single muscle. Examples of closed chain exercises can include partial squats, partial lunges or sidestepping in a partial squat position. Good luck with your condition and thanks for using CyberPT."