We've recently completed a study on the use of orthotics for knee pain. The following is a copy of the abstract. The full text has been submitted for publication.

"The use of orthotics for chronic knee pain."

Paul Stephano

Bruce Rolfe MD

Summary:

47 knees

Follow up: 16 mo

83% of knees had improved pain

81% of knees had improved function

For more information on orthotics -
See Biomechanics

Little experimental data exist regarding the use of foot orthotics to alleviate chronic knee pain. The few prior studies have tended to focus exclusively on either the treatment of medial/lateral knee pain with wedges or the treatment of anterior knee pain with arch supports. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to: 1) provide further evidence of the ability of orthotics to improve knee pain and 2) to demonstrate the effectiveness of orthotics which combine arch supports and wedges into a single device.

The study evaluates 47 knees in 32 patients with chronic unicompartmental knee pain. For anterior pain, the treatment consisted of a custom-molded arch support in a neutral position. For knees with medial or lateral pain, custom-molded arch supports were used in conjunction with either a medial or lateral wedge (posting). Data were obtained by retrospective survey. Patients were asked to rate their pain and function in the knee (on a scale of 0-10) both before and after they began wearing their orthotics.

We found improved pain scores in 83% of all knees and improved function scores in 81% of all knees. Average improvements were 3.7 points for pain and 2.7 points for function. Furthermore, we found that 85% of patients were satisfied with their orthotics and that 96% continue to wear them. The outcomes for patients with anterior pain, medial pain, and lateral pain were not significantly different from one another. Our results indicate strongly that custom foot orthotics can function as a powerful tool in the treatment of chronic knee pain.

Video Gait Analysis & Orthotics

Gait analysis allows careful evaluation of hind foot,
mid foot and forefoot function.

This slide shows moderate mid stance pronation.

Pronation of this magnitude often leads to stress syndromes in the lower extremity i.e. stress fractures, shin splints, and tendinitis (esp. in the knee & ankle).

Severe mid stance pronation associated with a torn posterior tibial tendon.