What is Medial knee pain?

• the pain is often associated with stress of the medial ligaments and medial meniscus
• Medial ligament of the knee keeps the knee structure supported. The medial meniscus act as a shock absorber.
• the knee joint is a uniplanar (single directional) joint and therefore easily effected by poor alignment, muscle weakness and incorrect footwear.

What are the causes of medial knee pain?

• Medial knee pain occurs mainly when there is some direct injury to the medial collateral ligament because of overuse or stress or trauma.
• When the medial ligament fails to function properly, it gives rise to medial knee pain.
• Incorrect footwear for application, either under corrected or over corrected and excessive wear patterns.
• Muscle imbalance and increased knee instability. Abducting muscles are weaker and Adducting muscles are stronger
• Uneven surfaces and increased incline and decline training
• Over pronation of the foot and additional torsional and twisting forces.
• Hip instability, pelvic alignment and leg length differences.
• Women can experience MKP due to having wider hips and shorter femurs and therefore increased Q-angle (knock knees)
• Cycling with correct bike set up may still result in medial knee pain. Oscillating pedal rotations have an exaggerated figure 8 effect when foot motion is not controlled inside the shoe.

What are some of the symptoms?

• pain experienced in the inner part of the knee
• pain when pressure is applied to the inner part of the knee
• swelling around the knee area after exercising
• Popping noise from inside the knee is quite common but generally not associated as a symptom of any particular knee problem.

How can Footpro help with Runner's knee?

Step 1 Gait Analysis and Footscan

Current footwear functionality is firstly assessed using treadmill Motion / Gait analysis. This is achieved by recording you walking or running on the treadmill while wearing your current trainers / shoes. Level of support, excessive wear patterns and shoe sizing are the main areas of focus. A second, barefoot recording is then taken to analyse true foot function. Both recordings are then used to analyse foot, ankle and knee tracking. Hip stability and pelvic alignment can also be observed.

Following on from the gait analysis, pressure mapping or foot scanning both standing still and dynamically enables our technicians to analysis posture, foot angles, foot type, pressure and foot timing. Excessive toe out angles, low arch height and irregular foot timing are common foot scanning results.

Step 2 Custom Moulded Insoles

Footpro custom insoles will support your feet and improve lower limb alignment. Improving alignment will reduce torsional forces through the knee and assist knee tracking. The custom insole is full length and made of semi rigid thermo mouldable materials. These semi rigid materials will also absorb shock and support the arches of the foot. Semi rigid custom insoles are designed to accommodate your foot requirements and not restrict natural foot characteristics.

Step 3 Footwear

Correct functioning footwear prescription is based on the need for support, cushioning and activity. Foot size is checked and selections of suitable trainers are then tested using treadmill gait analysis systems. Each shoe test is recorded and then analysed to determine which model of shoe is most suitable. Shoe technologies are important but only discussed once shoe functionality is achieved.

A Wrong or improperly fitted footwear can cause the foot to function less effectively then usual. Old or worn out shoes can contribute to runner's knee pain and injury. Making sure the functionality of the shoe suits your foot type is a top priority for Footpro. The footwear solution is a vital key in the fitting process as it is the connection between the body and ground. Poor shoe choice can considerably increase the chance of injury and is one of the main contributors to runner's knee.
Upper leg strengthening and stretching is also important. Corrective exercise with a sports professional and personal trainer will help with improved core stability and general strength.