With flat or excessively pronated feet, the lower leg is internally rotated at the same time the upper leg is trying to externally rotate, due to forces produced during walking. The knee has to absorb these “twisting” forces resulting in repetitive injury and eventually pain and possible cartilage loss. Pronated (flat) feet can also result in a valgus (knocked kneed) position, which causes various associated muscles to exert their pull in an incorrect direction.

High Arched Feet, known as Pes Cavus or supinated feet, do not allow the normal shock absorption needed during walking. The knee therefore takes too much force leading to overuse injuries.

COMMON KNEE INJURIES

1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS):

This is pain that arises from under and around the knee cap. It is exacerbated with running, walking up or down stairs, and sitting with knees bent for an extended period of time. There may be clicking or a sensation of weakness upon bending or straightening the knee. With pronated feet the knees rotate inward causing the Patellar Tendon (which connects the muscles of the thigh to the lower leg via the knee cap/patella) to pull in the wrong direction causing the patella to become misaligned with the trochlear groove of the knee resulting in injury, pain, and possible cartilage loss.

2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB):

The Iliotibial band (ITB) runs down the outside of the thigh and crosses the knee. With prolonged excessive pronation, the band shortens (becomes tight) resulting in pain and decreased range of motion. Often the patient complains of pain on the outside of the knee in a specific spot that can hurt during activity or after. It commonly occurs in runners and symptoms can range from pain just under the knee or all the way down the outside of the leg.