Walking and performing other types of exercise is difficult if you have knee pain. However, the way you walk and the condition of your feet contribute significantly to knee problems. If you have any type of foot problem, even if it's a minor one, it can affect the way you walk and the alignment of your knee.

If you do a lot of walking or standing for long periods, then you need to take care of your feet to prevent problems with other joints. Here are some ways that foot problems affect your knee and how custom orthotics can help reduce pain and abnormal wear:

Common Knee Problems

Your knees take a lot of pressure and punishment, especially if you engage in heavy athletic activities. Chances are that you will experience some sort of knee pain in your life. The following are some of the most common reasons why people have knee pain:

• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• Overexertion
• Athletic injury/torn cartilage

Foot problems directly contribute to excessive pressure and contortion of your knees. This is especially true when you exercise or play sports. This puts you at higher risk of knee injury as well as certain types of arthritis. Many athletes compensate for foot problems with custom orthotics.

How Your Feet Affect Your Knees

If you have a problem with your feet, such as flat feet or other pronation problems, then your whole leg could be thrown out of alignment. This affects all your joints including your hips and knees. Excessive pronation, such as what is often seen with flat feet, can cause your knee to rotate inward in an unnatural way whenever you put weight on it. This causes knee pain, especially if you already have arthritis or other knee problems.

Why Custom Orthotics Are Better Than Insoles

Over-the-counter insoles may help temporarily when you have only minor issues with your feet, such as mild over or under-pronation. However, for flat feet and other more serious problems, a professionally-made orthotic is much more effective with correcting feet problems and alignment. You will need to take it easy at first when you get your new orthotic. It takes time for your body to adjust, especially if you have lived with your condition for a while.

Talk to your doctor first, to see if an orthotic can help relieve your knee pain and problems, then visit a custom orthotics center. There, you will work with a professional to create an orthotic just for you and your condition.