Knees are funny things. We don’t pay much attention to them until they hurt or don’t work. Then we are really aware of them! Frequently, someone goes to the doctor because of knee pain, the doctor sends them for x-rays and nothing shows up, but the pain remains. Sometimes the doctor will refer you to a chiropodist, or tell you to find one, but all too often it ends right there. Many endure this pain for several years until they can’t take any more and then they go back to the doctor. Further x-rays now reveal osteoarthritis – the arthritis of wear and tear. Surprise!
This occurs most often in people whose feet appear relatively flat when they stand. Whatever the cause of this excessive pronation, as it is known, when the foot rolls in, the bones of the lower leg – the tibia and the fibula- have to rotate to facilitate this movement. When that happens, the knee joint and sometimes even the knee cap are out of alignment. It is the wear and tear that occurs in the misaligned position that can result in osteoarthritis, cartilage damage and even progress to the bone-on-bone that precedes the need for a knee replacement. None of this shows up on initial x-rays, because, of course, they are done non-weight bearing, and the knee is only out of alignment while weight bearing.
Knee braces are often unsuccessful because they target the affected area, but do not address the cause of the misalignment. By putting you as straight as you can be – with orthotics and the proper footwear, we can reduce knee strain, and often even in arthritic knees, reduce or eliminate the pain. The reduced friction within the knee joint can delay or prevent the need for a knee replacement. Post knee replacement, maintaining proper alignment can reduce any strain on and help to maintain the integrity of the new joint.
A chiropodist is trained to do a thorough biomechanical examination that should reveal any foot-related cause of your knee problem and treat it. You don’t need to be uncomfortable or be in pain any longer.