Let’s zero in on the bent knee in this image. See how the lower leg hangs when the knee joint is at 90 degrees? Try sitting somewhere your legs can dangle off the ground and swing a bit. A counter top or sturdy table or desk will work. Imagine where the knee joint is. For many people they have the knee joint mapped higher and behind the kneecap. This can give the impression of the tibia being longer and the femur bone shorter than they are. Using your fingers, reach down and find the actual knee joint. Feel how it hinges and swings below the femur (upper leg bone). Even small refinements to your knee map can help them function with greater ease.

How we walk can have a huge impact on our knees. More often than not, taking shorter strides and lifting the knees a touch higher can help them live a longer, healthier life. When you wish to walk faster, try increasing your rpms (speed at which your legs move) instead of increasing your stride length. Each person’s gait is unique and there’s a lot more too it, but I’ve found this to be a useful place to start.

Next we’ll take a closer look at the shape of femur bone and how it relates to the rest of the body.