Reducing Knee Pain With Orthotics

Many of us suffer from chronic pain in the knees. Often there is a connection between knee pain and the way you walk. Misalignment of the lower leg due to overpronation of the foot is a leading cause of knee pain.

Pronation, the flattening of the arch during each footstep, is normal. Overpronation occurs when the arch flattens excessively, creating misalignment. This can increase the stress on the knee-joint, and can cause knee pain over time. Pain typically manifests on the inside portion of the knee during weight-bearing activities such as walking.

Orthotics can improve knee pain in a number of ways:

• They can change the distribution of force through the foot and ankle, which can result in a change in the distribution of force through the knee.
• They can act as cushions to reduce the force through the foot and ankle, which can result in a reduction of force through the knee.
• They can change the alignment of the foot and ankle, which can result in a change of alignment at the knee. For example, they can control overpronation (rolling in) of the foot, which can result in patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome or make the pain from some types of osteoarthritis worse.

As the foot overpronates the lower leg and knee internally rotate. Orthotics can help control overpronation of the foot, which in turn, improves the alignment of the knee and thereby reducing knee pain.

If you suspect that your feet may be the cause of your knee pain, please contact us for an evaluation.

Photo Credit: Kennedy GoodKey