Pain in the knee is often related to biomechanical problems that occur in the foot. Feet that excessively pronate (roll in) cause the knee to rotate inwards. This often leads to over use injuries that can become chronic. One study has related 77% of all knee injuries to originate from problems in the foot.
The most common knee pain caused by over pronation is that in the medial (inside) side of the knee. This occurs because the inward rotation of the knee increases the stress on the medial side of the knee. This puts increased strain on the medial meniscus and the medial joint capsule and will eventually lead to bursitis and premature wearing of the joint.
An over pronating foot can also cause a condition known as iliotibial band syndrome. Pain will be felt on the outside of the knee and will often be caused by extended periods of running. The inward rotation of the knee causes the iliotibial band to flick across the side of the knee and will eventually inflame the bursa.
The last common knee problem relating to an over pronation foot is that of the patella tendon pain. Essentially the excessive inward rotation of the knee causes more pressure to be applied to the medial (inside) side of the patella causing premature wearing and inflammation.
Symptoms
Medial knee pain is commonly described as an ache on the inside of the knee that is usually worse when running or performing higher impact activities. It is usually only reproduced with movement and activity and cannot be reproduced by direct palpation
Iliotibial band syndrome is usually described as a dull or sometimes sharp pain on the lateral (outside) side of the knee around the joint line. It will usually be felt with running but can be reproduced by pressing the area of pain.
Retropatella pain is often described as a dull or sharp ache induced by activity. It is often aggravated with going up & down stairs.
Prevention:
Because the problems stem from excessive pronation of the foot prevention is simply a matter of reducing the excessive pronation of the foot which in turn prevent the excessive internal rotation of the knee.
Treatment: If the problem is somewhat advanced
SELF TREATMENT
• icing and rest may be helpful in allevaiting some forms of knee pain
• performing light exercise often is beneficial
• various forms of supports & strappings are available for the knee but the knee should be fully asssesed & diagnosed before purchasing any of these items
PODIATRIC TREATMENT
• to prevent excessive pronation of the foot, a complete biomechanical analysis and then an appropriate type of orthotic may need to be prescribed. The orthotic will control the excessive pronation of the foot and reposition the knee
• various specific stretching exercises may be prescribed together with referral to a physiotherapist
About The Author
Lisa Jones has been a practicing physiotherapist for over 15 years and writes numerous articles for leading sports medicine journals across the country. She has also treated and looked after some top professional athletes.
You can find out more about how to deal with knee pain from her following website
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