Creating Proper Lower-Body Musculoskeletal Alignment

The proper musculoskeletal alignment of the legs is extremely important for biomechanics and injury prevention. Those who have weak muscles and joints are more susceptible to injury, and incorrect leg functioning can sabotage an athlete’s performance. Paying attention to joint conditioning and leg alignment is crucial to preventing injury and improving athletic performance.

In properly aligned legs, every joint is stacked from the ankles to the knees to the hips. Stand with your toes facing forward and your feet parallel. Are you properly aligned? If you can’t tell you may want to find a certified Sports Performance Specialist or Personal Trainer to help determine if your joints are lining up correctly. If not you may need to start working on regaining your alignment.

When it comes to correcting ankle, knee, and hip alignment proper stretching and strengthening is essential. Weakness and poor weight distribution or landing skills can exacerbate joint pains.

So how can I achieve proper alignment in my legs? Several exercises can help you to achieve and maintain proper joint alignment in the legs including squats and lunges. Stepping up to balance on a step or block will also create a method to strengthen joint alignment. In addition, all core-strengthening activities that can help to keep your lower back in proper position such as planks, back extensions, lateral legs lifts and crunches will help to keep your ankles and knees in line.