What can cause knee pain without injury?

Knee pain can occur for a wide variety of reasons—from misaligned joints to weak surrounding muscles to underlying health conditions. If you experience knee pain that lasts for more than a few days, we recommend consulting your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can flat feet cause knee pain?

Yes, it is possible for flat feet to contribute to knee pain. People with flat feet have a tendency to overpronate—or walk with their feet and ankles rolled too far inward. This gait abnormality can result in a misaligned ankle joint, which can cause excess tension on the knee joint and its surrounding tendons, ligaments, and muscles, leading to knee pain.

Can weight play a role in foot and knee pain?

Yes, weight can indeed play a role in foot and knee pain. Every step we take exerts about three pounds of pressure per pound of body weight—and even more when we are running or jumping. That means the more we weigh, the more pressure gets exerted on our feet and knees. As part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, maintaining a healthy body weight can help alleviate excess pressure on these parts of our bodies.

Can wearing high heels cause knee pain?

Wearing high heels throws our bodies into a completely unnatural foot alignment, putting our feet, ankles, knees—and even hips and back!—at risk for pain and injury. Learn more about how high heels negatively affect our feet and knees in our blog, Why High Heels Harm Feet.

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

Not all knee pain is equal, so it’s important to listen to pain signals and stay aware of how your knee is feeling. Watch for signs of inflammation, including redness, warmth, and swelling. If you experience knee pain that lasts for more than a few days or weeks, we recommend consulting your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How often should I replace my shoes to prevent foot and knee pain?

Podiatrists recommend replacing footwear every 300–500 miles, or between about six months to one year. Waiting to replace footwear until they “wear out” can lead to foot, ankle, and knee pain, since the shoe no longer provides the support necessary for healthy alignment and shock absorption. Additionally, since footwear often wears out unevenly based on our unique stride, worn-out footwear can emphasize any existing foot and knee issues, leading to increased risk for pain and injury.

Are there specific exercises to strengthen the feet?

Absolutely! There are a wide variety of specific exercises to strengthen the feet. From towel curls to heel raises to banded resistance work, there are plenty of options to help keep feet strong and healthy. A physical therapist or athletic trainer can recommend specific exercises for your unique situation. For basic, general foot exercises you can start at home, visit our Foot and Lower Leg Strength blog. For a few yoga-based stretches, visit our Yoga for Your Feet blog.

Can physical therapy help in alleviating knee pain caused by foot problems?

Yes! Physical therapy is a fantastic way to help alleviate and prevent knee and foot pain conditions. Physical therapists will assess your unique body and situation and create a personalized plan to strengthen and condition the muscles and tendons that need it. They will address knee pain at its source to help encourage long-term health.

knee pain Archives - KURU Footwear

Can foot pain cause knee pain? Explore how conditions like flat feet affect the knees. Learn symptoms, causes, and treatment for pain relief.