Orthotics for knee pain
Poor foot support can be a significant cause of knee pain
There are two bones of the lower leg below the knee, the Tibia and the Fibula. These two bones attach to the foot at the ankle joint (sub talor joint). The ankle joint is the flexible part of the rear foot which allows the foot to twist when we walk over uneven terrain. The Tibia and Fibula work in tandem and act as a hinge on the ankle joint. More specifically, they hinge on the centerline of the ankle joint.
When the foot is properly supported in a “neutral” position, the centerline of the ankle joint is aligned directly over the centerline of the foot
When the knee is bent in that position it will track directly over the centerline of the foot. However, 80% of the population have feet that pronate. That means that a weighted, unsupported foot tips inward. When that happens the flexible ankle joint tips inward and that makes the Tibia and Fibula rotate inward. When the knee is bent in this position it will track inward.
A lifetime of misalignment can cause knee pain
Our feet take the shape they have at a very young age, as early as 7 years old. In our younger years an unsupported pronated foot may not bother us. As we age though, a lifetime of misalignment takes a toll on the knee joint. Orthotics for your feet help your knees by supporting a pronated foot in a “neutral” posture, which in turn brings the knee back to tracking down the centerline of the foot when bending.
Schedule your FREE foot evaluation
You’ll learn and see how your feet, knees, hips and back will benefit from custom molded shoe inserts. Use our online scheduler, or call 651-429-3333 to ask questions or schedule your appointment.