Forward Movement of Lower Leg at the Knee on Both Sides
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old man standing at around 195 cm (approximately 6 feet 5 inches) and weighing 92 kg (roughly 203 lbs). I do not smoke, I'm not taking any medications, and I have no known health issues. Since childhood, I've been able to move my lower leg (the tibia) forward in relation to my thigh (the femur) when my knee is slightly flexed. It feels as though my shin is gliding forward, similar to what occurs during an anterior drawer test. This movement can be performed with both of my knees, and I’ve never experienced any pain, injuries, swelling, or issues with stability. My knees have not locked or given way, and I comfortably participate in physical activities such as running and gym workouts without any complications. After digging around online, I've come across information suggesting such motion might indicate a form of ACL instability, but since this has always been a part of my physiology and has never presented any problems, I'm curious about what it might mean. I appreciate any insights you might share! (I can provide a video demonstrating the movement if that would be useful.)
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 9:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're active and have no significant issues with your knees despite the unique movement you described. The ability for your lower leg to glide forward without any accompanying symptoms suggests that this might just be a specific aspect of your anatomy.
Explanation
What you're experiencing could be a normal anatomical variant. Some people have slightly looser ligaments or different joint mechanics that allow for that kind of movement, especially if you've had it since childhood without any pain or instability. The anterior drawer test, which checks for ACL stability, is typically used in cases of injury or trauma. Since you have not experienced any pain, swelling, or functional limitations, it is less likely that there is a significant issue.
However, it's understandable to be aware of your body's movements and what they might indicate.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Body: Continue to pay attention to any changes in your knee's function. If you ever experience pain, swelling, or instability, reconsider the situation.
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Strengthening Exercises: Ensure that your leg and core muscles are strong. This can help to stabilize your knees and improve overall joint health. Focus on quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip exercises.
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Maintain Flexibility: Incorporate regular stretching and flexibility exercises into your routine to ensure that your joints remain healthy and continue to function well.
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Consider a Professional Assessment: If you're still concerned or if your knees start to show any signs of discomfort, consider consulting a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist for a formal assessment. They can provide specific insights tailored to your unique anatomy.
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Stay Active: Keep up with your physical activities, as regular movement supports joint health.
Feel free to reach out if you notice any new symptoms or if you have further questions!
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