Lower Extremity Syndromes: Knee, Ankle, and Achilles Injuries for Indianapolis Patients

Indianapolis runners, athletes, and active adults: Learn how common lower extremity syndromes affect your knees, ankles, and feet—and how chiropractic care can restore function, reduce pain, and improve performance.

Whether you’re running, cycling, playing sports, or walking daily, lower extremity injuries can limit mobility, reduce performance, and cause persistent pain. Common syndromes such as patellofemoral pain, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle instability often stem from muscle imbalances, poor mechanics, or nervous system dysfunction. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus on correcting root causes, restoring mobility, strengthening stabilizers, and optimizing nervous system function to keep you moving comfortably."

1. Patellofemoral Pain / Knee Pain

• Definition: Pain around or behind the kneecap due to improper tracking or muscular imbalance

• Symptoms:

  • Pain with squatting, running, or climbing stairs

  • Knee stiffness or grinding sensation

  • Weakness or instability in quadriceps or hips

• Key Structures: Patella, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, knee ligaments, nervous system input for proprioception

2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

• Definition: Inflammation or irritation of the IT band along the lateral thigh, commonly in runners

• Symptoms:

  • Pain on the outside of the knee or thigh

  • Discomfort during running or cycling

  • Tightness along the lateral thigh

• Key Structures: IT band, tensor fascia lata, gluteus maximus and medius, lateral knee structures, nervous system control for gait and alignment

3. Achilles Tendonitis

• Definition: Overuse or inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle

• Symptoms:

  • Pain or stiffness along the tendon, worsens with activity

  • Swelling or tenderness near the heel

  • Limited ankle dorsiflexion

• Key Structures: Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, ankle joint, calcaneus, nervous system coordination for gait and propulsion

4. Ankle Sprains / Instability

• Definition: Stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, leading to recurrent instability

• Symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling, or bruising after injury

  • Feeling of the ankle “giving out”

  • Reduced balance or stability during activity

• Key Structures: Lateral and medial ankle ligaments, peroneal muscles, Achilles, foot stabilizers, proprioceptive nervous system pathways

Neurological Implications

• Muscle imbalances and joint dysfunction alter motor firing patterns, leading to compensations and risk of injury

• Nervous system dysfunction can reduce proprioception, coordination, and stability

• Neuroplasticity allows retraining of movement patterns, gait, and stabilizer activation for injury prevention and functional improvement

How It Happens – Causes

• Overuse or repetitive movements (running, cycling, jumping)

• Muscle weakness (glutes, quadriceps, calves)

• Poor biomechanics or foot posture

• Previous injuries causing compensatory patterns

• Inadequate warm-up, stretching, or recovery

How Chiropractic Care Helps

• Joint Mobilizations / Adjustments: Restore ankle, knee, and foot mechanics

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Reduce tension in quadriceps, calves, IT band, glutes

• Strengthening Weak Stabilizers: Core, glutes, quadriceps, calves, intrinsic foot muscles

• FMSA Integration: Identify movement restrictions and compensatory patterns

• Pain Reduction & Function Improvement: Restore range of motion, improve stability, and prevent recurrence

Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) Integration

"With Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA), we identify imbalances, weak stabilizers, and faulty movement patterns that contribute to lower extremity syndromes. By addressing these root causes, we create a personalized plan that restores mobility, strengthens stabilizers, and retrains the nervous system for improved performance and reduced pain."

Rehabilitation & Functional Support

Mobility Exercises

• Quadriceps and hamstring stretches

• Calf stretches for Achilles flexibility

• IT band foam rolling and hip mobility drills

• Ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion exercises

Stability & Strengthening

• Glute bridges and clamshells for hip stability

• Single-leg balance and proprioception drills

• Heel raises for Achilles strengthening

• Step-ups, mini-squats, and lateral band walks for knee control

Neuroplasticity & Movement Retraining

• Mindful gait and running mechanics

• Mirror or video feedback for lower extremity alignment

• Gradual return to activity with progressive load

At-Home Support / Modalities

• Ice or heat for inflammation and soreness

• Foam rolling and massage of calves, hamstrings, IT band, and glutes

• Footwear assessment and orthotics if necessary

• Postural and movement awareness during daily activity

Recovery Time & Risk

• Mild overuse injuries: 2–4 weeks with rehab and adjustments

• Moderate injuries: 4–8 weeks with mobility, stability, and gait correction

• Chronic or recurrent injuries: ongoing functional management

• Early intervention with chiropractic care and FMSA-guided rehab improves mobility, stability, and nervous system function

Key Takeaways

• Lower extremity syndromes include knee pain, IT band issues, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle instability

• Chiropractic care and FMSA-guided rehab restore mobility, strength, and nervous system coordination

• Neuroplasticity allows retraining of movement patterns and gait mechanics

• Functional improvements reduce pain and improve performance in running, sports, and daily activity

If you’re experiencing knee, hip, ankle, or foot pain from running, sports, or daily activity, chiropractic care can help restore function and reduce discomfort. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we use Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) to identify imbalances, strengthen stabilizers, and retrain your nervous system. Schedule a consultation today to improve mobility, stability, and overall lower extremity function.