KNEE PAIN

Knee pain often begins with the feet because they are the foundation for every step. When the feet lose their ability to support the body in proper alignment, the knees are forced to compensate with every stride. Persistent or worsening knee pain should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional, especially when it interferes with daily activity or exercise.

What Knee Pain Is in the Context of Foot Biomechanics

Knee pain can arise from many sources, but one of the most overlooked contributors is faulty foot posture. The knee is a hinge joint that depends on the foot and hip for proper alignment. When the foot collapses or rotates excessively, the knee is pulled out of its natural tracking pattern. Over time, this leads to irritation, inflammation, and uneven wear on the joint surfaces.

Common symptoms include aching around the kneecap, pain on the inside of the knee, stiffness after activity, or discomfort when climbing stairs or walking downhill.

How Foot Biomechanics Cause Knee Pain

The arch of the foot plays a critical role in stabilizing the leg. When the arch collapses, the entire “joint chain” above it must adapt.

Key biomechanical effects include:

• Inward knee rotation — a flattened arch causes the foot to roll inward, pulling the knee into a rotated position it cannot tolerate long‑term.

• Misalignment of the leg — the tibia and femur twist to compensate for the unstable foot, increasing stress on the knee joint.

• Uneven pressure on cartilage — abnormal rotation causes certain areas of the knee to bear more load than others.

• Overuse of stabilizing muscles — the muscles around the knee work harder to keep the leg aligned, leading to fatigue and pain.

• Chain reaction up the body — hip and lower‑back biomechanics are also affected, amplifying knee strain.

These forces accumulate step after step, eventually creating chronic discomfort or accelerating degenerative changes.

Why MASS Posture Orthotics Help

MASS posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot to a healthier, more functional position rather than supporting it in a collapsed state. This directly reduces the compensations that cause knee pain.

They help by:

• Re‑establishing proper arch height, preventing the inward roll that twists the knee.

• Improving alignment of the entire leg, reducing rotational stress on the knee joint.

• Supporting natural shock absorption, decreasing impact forces transmitted upward.

• Stabilizing the foot during gait, allowing the knee to track in a more neutral, efficient path.

• Reducing strain on surrounding muscles, helping the knee function with less effort.

By correcting the foundation, MASS posture orthotics address the root biomechanical cause of knee pain—not just the symptoms.

Importance of Custom Calibration

Every foot is different, and the degree of arch collapse varies widely. Custom calibration ensures the orthotic flexes appropriately for the individual’s structure and bodyweight.

Calibration considers:

• Arch flexibility — determines how much corrective support is needed.

• Forefoot mobility — influences how the orthotic should flex during walking.

• Bodyweight and activity level — affect how much force the orthotic must manage.

• Degree of knee rotation — helps tailor support to reduce stress on the joint.

Proper calibration allows the orthotic to guide the foot toward healthier alignment while still allowing natural movement.

What Patients Often Notice

People with knee pain related to arch collapse commonly report:

• Reduced knee discomfort during walking or standing

• Less inward knee rotation

• Improved stability and balance

• A smoother, more natural gait

• Relief from strain in the hips or lower back

• Better endurance before fatigue sets in

These improvements come from restoring proper foot posture and reducing the compensations that overload the knee.

Long‑Term Foot and Knee Health Considerations

If the underlying foot mechanics are not addressed, knee pain often progresses. Long‑term risks include:

• Increased wear on knee cartilage

• Worsening inward knee rotation

• Greater strain on ligaments and tendons

• Compensatory hip or back pain

• Reduced ability to tolerate activity

• Potential need for more aggressive interventions later

Supporting the arch early—especially with calibrated MASS posture orthotics—helps protect the knee from ongoing stress and supports healthier long‑term function.