Knee pain can often be caused by misalignments in the foot that affect biomechanics. At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, our team of podiatrists in Gatineau, Hull and Aylmer use foot orthotics to reduce these imbalances and relieve pain. Here are the main causes of knee pain from the foot:
1. Excessive pronation
Pronation is the inward movement of the foot, but when excessive, it causes internal rotation of the tibia. This movement can then overload the knee joint.
- Common deformities: Varus of the hindfoot, varus of the forefoot.
- Associated knee pain: Iliotibial band friction syndrome, patellar pain, pes anserinus syndrome.
Custom foot orthotics can help limit overpronation, reducing strain on the knee.
2. Excessive supination
Supination, which is the outward rolling of the foot, creates lateral instability of the foot and increases impacts on the lateral side of the knee.
- Associated deformities: Rigid valgus of the forefoot.
- Associated knee pain: Lateral knee pain, joint instability.
Foot orthotics for supination can improve stability and limit the impact on the knee.
3. Structural deformities of the foot
Deformities such as a first ray in plantar flexion, i.e. a foot where the first metatarsal (the bone just before the big toe) is pointed downwards, alter the biomechanics of the foot, resulting in compensatory movements in the knee.
- Frequent deformities: First plantarflexed ray, metatarsus adductus.
- Associated knee pain: Patellar pain, pain under the joint of the big toe where the sesamoid bones are found
Thanks to the right foot orthotics , a podiatrist can correct these imbalances, providing better function of the lower limb.
4. Subtalar joint dysfunction
A problem with the subtalar joint reduces the mobility of the foot and affects the alignment of the knee.
- Possible causes: Tarsal coalitions (union of certain bones of the foot that should not be united), osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint.
- Knee pain: Medial knee pain, lateral foot pain.
Adapted foot orthotics reduce compensatory foot movements to reduce the impact on the knee.
5. Leg length discrepancy
Even a slight difference in length between the legs can create asymmetry in pronation, putting excessive pressure on the knee. In fact, one of the two feet, usually the one with the longer leg, can collapse in order to reduce the functional length of the leg. Although this does not shorten the leg bones, the more pronounced pronation of one foot can reduce the height of the pelvis on this side, so that the pelvis is better aligned. Since the pelvis is the foundation on which the spine rests, a well-aligned pelvis is very practical!
- Knee pain: Medial or lateral pain, pain in the kneecap.
Compensatory foot orthotics help balance the length of the legs and relieve pressure on the knee.
Why consult a podiatrist in Gatineau, Hull or Aylmer?
Knee pain caused by the foot requires expertise in biomechanics. At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, our podiatrists in Gatineau and Aylmer offer a complete evaluation to determine the precise cause of your pain and custom foot orthotics adapted to your needs.
