Orthotics for Foot & Knee Pain

By Bryan Anderson, ATC

Orthotics for Foot and Knee Pain

By: Bryan Anderson ATC

Orthotics are rigid or semi-rigid inserts placed into your shoe or on your foot to help correct biomechanical dysfunction in the foot, ankle, or knee. These inserts range in variety from very expensive rigid and semi-rigid orthotics to low-cost gel inserts found in any sporting goods store. Both can be useful in relieving a number of lower extremity conditions and injuries.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are inserts that are fabricated by a health care professional with expertise in lower extremity biomechanics. This typically involves molding your foot in plaster or scanning the foot with a special device while you are walking. This also includes a biomechanical assessment by our clinician in both weight bearing and non-weight bearing to help determine the exact issues present in every area of your foot and ankle. Custom orthotics are tailor made for you, and are usually the most effective type of orthotic.

Off-the-shelf or generic orthotics can be found at most sporting goods or running stores, and can sometimes be a cost effective way to treat lower extremity pain. These are generally used “as is” from the package, and should be available in several different forms, depending on foot type and problem. The store associates at a good running or sporting goods store can typically aid in helping you pick the
type of orthotic needed.

Why Do I Need Orthotics?

The two most common types of foot dysfunctions are pronation and supination. Both affect the shape and mechanics of the foot in weight bearing activities and can also cause issues up the
kinetic chain into the shins, knees, and even hips and low back.

Pronation

Pronation occurs in an overly flat foot generally including a very low medial longitudinal arch, and external rotation of the foot. This causes your ankle to roll as you begin to walk on the inside of your
foot. This can lead to many issues in the ankle, including foot and ankle pain, stress fractures, and can increase stress on the medial knee. In general, to correct this, a semi rigid orthotic providing support to
the medial arch and correcting the rolling in of the ankle is recommended.

Supination

Supination occurs in a hyper rigid forefoot and arch, characterized by a high arch, and internal rotation of the foot. This can cause a person’s ankle to roll out and walk on the outside their foot. This
condition decreases shock attenuation in the lower limb, and increases stress on the ankle and shin.
Also, the general position of the supinated foot can increase the instance of lateral ankle sprains. To correct this, a more cushioned semi rigid orthotic will help attenuate shock in
the foot and transfer forces from the lateral foot to the medial arch.

• To schedule a new patient or follow up patient appointment with your MD, please call (904)JOI-2000
• Finally, to schedule an appointment for physical or occupational therapy, call 904-858-7045 or call any of the 12 area JOI Rehab Centers.