How Your Podiatrist Can Help With Knee Issues
Did you know that the knee is your body’s most complex joint? Unfortunately, that means there’s potential for a lot to go wrong with it. In the realm of lower limb issues, your knees often bear a great deal of burden. As lower limb specialists, our podiatry team can help suss out any knee-related issues.
What are common knee issues?
Osteoarthritis - Your thigh bone (femur) joins your lower leg bone (tibia) at the knee. This intersection is cushioned by a layer of cartilage. Over time, that cushioning cartilage can wear down, causing your bones to make contact and grind together. Osteoarthritis can come about from wear and tear. It can also be passed down genetically or be caused by rapid weight gain. Osteoarthritis can be very painful and result in swelling, stiffness, and inflammation.
Pronation issues - At the moment you step - when your feet roll inwards when they touch the ground - your arch is supporting a tremendous amount of weight. This motion, called pronation, helps your feet absorb the shock of the step. However, if your feet are rolling inward too much (overpronation) or not enough, this affects your feet’s ability to absorb the shock of every step. Lack of shock absorption can lead to extra strain on your ligaments, joints, and tendons.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome - If your feet overpronate - meaning the arch area rolls in too much - your knees will naturally follow. This causes a “knock-kneed” stance, which pulls the knee’s tendons in the incorrect direction. Left uncorrected, it can lead to a great deal of pain in your knees and up your leg to your lower back.
Iliotibial band syndrome - Excess pronation can also affect the thick length of tissue running down your outer thigh called the iliotibial band. Repeated inner leg rotation caused by overpronation puts extra pressure on the knee’s soft tissues, which causes inflammation.
Baker’s Cyst - Arthritis or cartilage damage can cause a fluid-filled cyst, called a Baker’s Cyst, to form behind the knee. This cyst can grow to become a very painful bulge around the knee. The fluid inside can cause your knee to stiffen. If the cyst ruptures, the fluid can leak and cause sharp pains in your knee and calf.
How can my podiatrist help?
If you’re worried about any of the above conditions, or if you’ve noticed knee pain starting, we can help. Here are some things our podiatrists can offer:
Biomechanical assessments: They can analyze your posture, gait, and the general movement of your feet, ankles, and legs. This will help locate issues like over or underpronation.
Custom orthotics: They might prescribe custom orthotics that can correct posture issues and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Exercise advice: They can help you with stretches and exercises that will tone and strengthen the muscles that support your knee
Anti-inflammatory medication: They can recommend a medication that will reduce swelling and ease your pain
Comprehensive foot care: They can provide high-quality foot and ankle care and address any underlying conditions you may have that can be contributing to your knee pain.
Need an appointment?
Contact Precision Foot and Ankle Centers in Los Angeles county at any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro. Our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher are dedicated to providing stellar podiatric care for you and your family. Book an appointment with us today!