If you are experiencing pain in one or both of your knees while walking, running, or simply sitting down, then you should consider purchasing orthotics to help with your condition. These shoe inserts can be used regardless of age or gender and can help alleviate pressure on your knees while also correcting improper gait patterns or poor balance in your feet. Be sure to speak to a medical doctor or podiatrist for more information on the proper orthotics for your specific condition.
Overpronation
During normal walking or running, your feet will rotate slightly along the ankle joint much like your wrist will rotate when completing simple, everyday tasks. One common cause of knee pain that can be corrected via the use of orthotics is overpronation of your foot. During pronation, your foot will naturally rotate in towards your body's midline once your heel strikes the ground. At times, your foot can over-rotate inwards and lead to knee pain or discomfort. Inserting an orthotic into your shoe can help correct this improper movement.
Plantar Fasciitis
The smooth tissue membrane that runs the length of your foot's sole is referred to as the plantar fascia. When inflamed following running or walking, you can develop a swelling of this membrane, otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. You will then compensate for this foot pain by walking differently during normal gait, which can also lead to increased pain or discomfort in your knee joints. In order to provide support to your foot and to promote proper gait patterns, your doctor can recommend using an orthotic insert in your shoes.
Supination
During normal gait, your ankle will roll outward away from your body's midline when your foot is pushing off the ground via the use of your toe muscles, otherwise known as supination. In patients with knee pain, this level of outward rotation, or supination, can be excessive and lead to blisters or calluses on the inside of your foot in addition to knee joint pain. Inserting a specifically-designed orthotic into your shoe to use while walking or running can help limit this amount of rotation by properly aligning your foot at the ankle joint. If knee pain continues after the use of the orthotic, your doctor may prescribe a knee brace or a mild pain medication to use in addition to the shoe support.
