Final answer:
An increased Q-angle often occurs in females due to a wider pelvis and can cause lateral patellar mal-tracking, leading to patellofemoral syndrome. Factors contributing to this include flat feet, improper footwear, and imbalances in quadriceps strength. Treatment includes strengthening exercises and addressing foot mechanics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Q-angle, or quadriceps angle, is a measure that reflects the alignment of the knee cap (patella) with the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). An increased Q-angle is defined as a measure that exceeds the normal range of 10-15 degrees and is more common in females due to their wider pelvis, which creates a greater lateral pull on the patella during extension of the knee. Causes of increased Q-angle and lateral patellar mal-tracking can be multifactorial.
Factors such as flat feet, improper footwear, variations in the patella's shape a direct blow to the patella or discrepancies in the strength and pull of the medial and lateral quadriceps can lead to imbalance. This imbalance causes the patella to track too far laterally which not only leads to discomfort but can also result in long-term damage to the knee joint. This misalignment and the resulting lateral patellar mal-tracking are associated with conditions like patellofemoral syndrome, commonly referred to as "runner's knee." Proper strengthening of the quadriceps muscle and correcting flat feet or improper footwear are strategies utilized to prevent and treat this condition.