Many people, particularly those who are athletic or very active, suffer from knee pain. Although there are many causes of knee pain, one of the most overlooked causes is foot imbalance.
Our feet take a lot of abuse, and as a result there are many opportunities for structural failure in the foot. One of the most common areas of foot failure is the medial arch.
The feet are incredibly complex and dynamic pieces of machinery. They are designed to move and adapt depending on how we use them and what we require of them. But over time there can be failures. The result is an imbalance in the foot that can result in many issues.
When there is foot imbalance it is common for our gate, the movement of our entire body while walking, to change slightly to compensate. This change in our gate can result in undue pressure at the knee. You have probably seen people with what is commonly called "knock knees" or that are "bow legged." These are conditions where the knees are either unnaturally turned in (knocking together) or are turned out (bowed).
Although these symptoms can be caused by other issues, many times the underlying cause is foot dysfunction. Knock knees and bow legged are extreme examples of what can happen when you suffer from foot imbalance, but many minor shifts in the knees can lead to severe pain.
A simple solution to this knee pain is orthopedic arch supports. One of the most common foot dysfunctions is over-pronation, where the foot "rolls" to the inside. This is usually caused by the arches in the foot functioning improperly. The result of over-pronation can often lead to knee pain.. Proper orthotic arch supports or cushioned shoe insoles can often bring balance back to the foot, solving the underlying problem leading to knee pain.
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