Hip and foot moves may ease stubborn knee pain — a trial puts the theory to the test

This trial investigates whether adding a gentle hip ligament stretch to a foot joint mobilization can reduce pain and improve knee function in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common cause of front knee pain. Eighty adults with PFPS will receive either standard physical therapy, foot joint mobilization alone, or foot mobilization plus the hip technique over four weeks. Researchers will measure changes in pain intensity, pain threshold, knee function, and the Q-angle (a measure of kneecap alignment).