Is your knee acting up? You might be surprised to learn that the root of the problem could be as simple as your feet.

In this episode, functional podiatrist Dr. Tea Nguyen reveals the surprising connection between foot health and knee pain. Discover how misaligned feet can cause knee strain, and learn about effective solutions like custom orthotics.

Don't let knee pain limit your life. Tune in now and get the relief you deserve!

Episode Video

Many people suffer from knee pain. While most think the problem is in the knee itself, it might actually start in your feet. Dr. Tea Nguyen, a podiatrist, will explain how foot problems can cause knee pain and how fixing foot alignment can help. This podcast episode will discuss the causes of knee pain, how foot mechanics play a role, and treatment options, including custom orthotics.

Knee Pain Common Causes and Misconceptions

Knee pain can develop for a variety of reasons, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. Some of the most common knee pain causes include:

• Injury
  Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage in the knee, such as an ACL tear, meniscus injury, or patellar tendonitis, can lead to significant discomfort.

• Overuse
  Repetitive movements, especially in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs, can strain the knee joint, leading to conditions like runner’s knee.

• Arthritis
  Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis cause the cartilage in the knee to wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

• Mechanical Problems
  Misalignment of the bones, foot deformities, or imbalances in muscle strength and flexibility can alter the movement patterns in the knee, resulting in pain.

However, a commonly overlooked cause of knee pain is improper foot biomechanics. While the knee itself might be the location of pain, the origin could lie in foot problems that affect the alignment and mechanics of the entire leg.

Foot Problems Leading to Knee Pain

The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, with the feet acting as its base. Every step you take affects the rest of your body, especially the joints above your feet, such as your knees, hips, and spine. If your feet aren't working correctly, they can cause misalignment and adjustments throughout your body, leading to pain in other areas.

Even small foot problems can cause bigger problems in the rest of your body. For example, wearing a walking boot after an ankle injury can make your knees hurt because the boot is a little higher than your other shoe. This small difference in foot height forces your body to change the way it moves, often causing problems in your knees, hips, and lower back.

Some common foot-related issues that can lead to knee pain include:

• Flat Feet (Overpronation)
  Flat feet cause the arch of the foot to collapse inward when walking, placing additional strain on the knees. This often leads to medial (inner) knee pain due to the inward pulling on the knee joint.

• High Arches (Cavus Foot)
  Conversely, people with high arches tend to place more pressure on the outside of the foot, which can cause lateral knee pain as the knees compensate for the lack of shock absorption from the rigid arch.

• Limb Length Discrepancies
  A difference in leg length can cause uneven stress on the knees, leading to pain and discomfort, particularly if one leg bears more weight or rotates improperly during walking.

When these foot problems persist without intervention, the body compensates in unnatural ways, resulting in pain that can manifest in the knees, hips, or even the lower back.

Knee Pain Treatment: A Holistic Approach

When you have knee pain, especially if you think it might be because of how your feet are lined up, it’s important to look at the whole picture. Instead of just focusing on your knee, fixing the problem in your feet can help you feel better for a longer time.

Dr. Nguyen believes in examining your whole lower body, starting with your feet. By watching how you walk and looking at your feet, she can often tell if your knee pain is caused by foot problems. This helps her treat your body as a whole, instead of just looking at one part, which can help prevent long-lasting pain or injuries.

In many cases, simple things like physical therapy or exercises to strengthen your feet can help your body line up better and ease your knee pain. Exercises that work the muscles in your feet, ankles, and legs can help your body move better and put less stress on your knees. If your feet are really misshapen or have problems, you might need special shoe inserts.

The Role of Orthotics in Treating Knee Pain

Orthotics, especially custom-made ones, can be very helpful in treating knee pain caused by misaligned feet. These special insoles correct foot problems, helping to keep your feet in the right position and reduce strain on your knees and other joints.

Dr. Nguyen emphasized the importance of knowing when orthotics are the right choice. Not everyone with knee pain will benefit from orthotics. However, for people with specific foot problems, like flat feet or high arches, orthotics can provide a lot of relief. By distributing weight evenly and supporting proper foot function, orthotics can lessen pressure on the knees and reduce pain.

It's important to remember that not all orthotics are the same. While many stores sell ready-made orthotics, these often aren't as effective as custom-made ones, which are designed specifically for each person's unique foot structure. Dr. Nguyen stressed that custom orthotics should only be prescribed by a podiatrist or healthcare professional after a careful examination to ensure they meet the patient's specific needs.

Functional vs. Accommodative Orthotics

When considering orthotics, it’s essential to understand the difference between functional and accommodative orthotics:

• Functional Orthotics
  These are designed to correct abnormal foot mechanics, such as overpronation or supination. They are typically more rigid and offer corrective support to improve foot and leg alignment. Functional orthotics are often used for individuals with structural issues that contribute to knee pain, such as flat feet or high arches.

• Accommodative Orthotics
  These are softer and provide cushioning rather than correction. They are typically used for patients with specific conditions that require additional padding, such as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot ulcers, and may not offer the same corrective benefits as functional orthotics.

Dr. Nguyen’s approach is to first explore non-invasive methods like foot-specific exercises and weight management before prescribing orthotics. However, when orthotics are necessary, she recommends custom-made devices for optimal results.

Preventing Knee Pain by Addressing Foot Health Early

Maintaining healthy feet is crucial for preventing knee pain. Many people overlook foot problems until they manifest as discomfort in other areas, like the knees. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help identify and address potential issues early on. By prioritizing foot health, individuals can reduce the risk of knee pain caused by misalignment or overuse. Simple steps, like wearing supportive footwear, doing foot and ankle exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight, can significantly benefit both your feet and knees.

Dr. Nguyen also highlighted the importance of observing shoe wear patterns. Shoes can offer clues about foot function. If your shoes wear unevenly, it might indicate misalignment, suggesting a need for professional podiatric advice.

About Dr. Tea Nguyen

Dr. Tea Nguyen is a board-certified podiatrist and the founder of Pacific Point Podiatry. With a passion for helping people lead pain-free lives, Dr. Tea is an expert in treating foot-related pain and discomfort. Her impressive credentials include a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University, a surgical residency, and a fellowship in wound surgery.

Visit her website, or follow her on social media:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

Final Thoughts

Knee pain can be really tough, but understanding how your feet might be causing it can help you feel better for a long time. Taking care of your feet and how they line up can help stop knee pain and even keep other problems from happening higher up in your body. You can do things like strengthening your feet, changing your lifestyle, or getting special shoe inserts. If you have knee pain and think it might be because of your feet, seeing a podiatrist like Dr. Tea Nguyen can help you figure out what's causing the problem and find ways to fix it without surgery.

If you're ready to take control of your knee pain, click here to discover more about these five effective knee pain home treatments. With these simple steps, you can start your journey towards pain-free knees and a more active lifestyle.