The knee joint is one that bears a great deal of weight and pressure of both everyday tasks and hard physical activities. The habitual patterns of incorrect walking techniques are highly associated with knee pain. Without a solid walking foundation, the knees are put in a compromising position while still supporting the rest of your body. Orthotics are a very popular and effective treatment for knee pains and Osteoarthritis. Getting the right orthotic support can greatly reduce knee pain.  

Are you wondering “What is making my knees hurt?” and “How do I treat my knee pain?”

Bad Walking Habits

Walking is a very healthy thing to do and is highly encouraged. However, incorrect walking habits can cause and accelerate knee pain. According to Orthofeet, you should be aware of habits like “hypermobile feet” and fallen arches from over-pronation. Hypermobile feet is when the joint moves around more than it should while walking, and over pronation of the foot is when the foot rolls inwards causing the arch of your foot to flatten. When these habits occur it compromises the position of the knee. The knee is only meant to be facing straight forward, and when your feet do not provide a solid foundation it may rotate the knee. When your foot is over-pronated it will turn your leg inward, which puts your knee out of its optimal position. Changing your incorrect walking habits will prevent this and orthotics will assist you in doing that.

Incorrect Orthotics

There are two general types of shoe inserts. There are the mass-market orthotics, the ones that you find in pharmacys and sports stores, and there are custom orthotics. The mass-market orthotics are inexpensive and accessible, however if they are ill-fitting they could lead to even more knee pain and possibly injury. Mass market orthotics are made for the general public and may not be the right fit for you. According to epainassist, when you wear insoles that are not suited for you or prescribed improperly, it could very well lead to flattened feet. That may lead to the ankle falling inwards, which could lead to the inward falling of the knee. If you get the right pair of custom insoles, it will greatly reduce knee pain. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area the best thing to do is to contact The Shoe Doctor to get the right computer made custom orthotics created just for you to help your pain.

Lateral Wedge Insoles and Neutral Insoles

Many studies have found that there is an association between orthotics and decreased knee pain. According to Regenexx, studies have found a small number who reported pain when using orthotics. However, there was not a big deviation between the results of neutral and lateral wedge insoles. Neutral insoles provide a good platform with a neutral arch height that promotes the natural range of motion of the foot. Lateral wedge insoles provide a wedge under the lateral side of the foot that transfers load from the medial side to the lateral knee compartment. Different people recommend different insoles because every case is different. Check in with The Shoe Doctor to find the right orthotic for you.

Are you in Need of Specialize Orthotics to Treat Your Knee Pains?

The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing computer made custom orthotics to the public for 20 years. The right orthotics can greatly reduce knee and hip pains. We will help educate and assist you to find the perfect solution for your particular needs. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make a computer made custom orthotics for your shoes. These orthotics along with our expert advice will get you back to being able to walk peacefully. Our sole purpose is to reduce your pain and make your comfortable again. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area (driving directions here), give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, give us a call at  (925) 820-0220 for your free consultation!

Sources

1. https://www.regenexx.com/orthotics-knee-pain-do-orthotics-help-knee-arthritis/
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1730513
3. https://www.epainassist.com/articles/can-shoe-inserts-cause-knee-pain
4. https://www.chiroeco.com/7-ways-orthotics-can-help-knee-pain/
5. https://www.orthofeet.com/blogs/news/how-your-feet-impact-knee-and-hip-pain