Knee problems can trouble anyone, from those who are only lightly physically active to folks who run marathons for fun. While it's easy to focus attention on the knee itself since that's where the pain is, the source of your problem could be originating somewhere else. Read on to learn about how your feet can cause knee problems and how you can get treatment to make it stop:
Over-Pronation and Supination
When your feet are properly aligned, they keep the entirety of your legs and hips in proper alignment. However, if your feet don't balance the way they should, they can cause problems for these parts of your body by putting undue stress upon them.
There are two main ways that feet aren't properly aligned: over-pronation and supination.
Pronation is a normal foot alignment where the foot rolls inward when you walk or run. However, over-pronation is when your foot is constantly angled inwards. This particularly puts a strain on the inside of the calf, thigh, and knee.
On the other side of the coin, supination is when your feet lean abnormally to the outside edge. This puts a strain on your hips, the outside of the thigh, and the outside of the knee.
Unfortunately, there are no exercises or therapies that can correct this problem. However, that doesn't mean that it's impossible to treat.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that your feet aren't properly aligned, you should visit a doctor to find out for sure. Your doctor will examine your feet, knees, and hips to see if there's over-pronation or supination. This may include a thorough foot examination performed by a computer that looks to see where the pressure falls when you stand normally. You may also be asked to walk or run on a treadmill for your doctor to monitor your gait.
If your doctor believes that you have an over-pronation or supination problem, the resolution is surprisingly easy. Custom-made orthotic insoles can help to correct the alignment of your feet by tipping them in the direction that they need to go. This takes the pressure off your body and puts you back in proper alignment.
Knee pain can be due to a wide variety of problems, but over-pronation and supination are two of the most common causes. If you haven't had your feet checked and your knees are bothering you, talk to a doctor to find out if it's the source of your pain. Contact a company like Pottstown Surgical Associates for more information and assistance.
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