When you feel knee pain, it’s easy to assume the problem starts in the knee. But for many patients, the real source is farther down – in the feet and ankles. Poor foot alignment or ongoing ankle alignment issues can shift the way your entire body moves, leading to discomfort that travels up to your knees, hips, and even your lower back.
At Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we help patients across Omaha, Gretna, Lincoln, Grand Island, Hastings, York, Hebron, Wahoo, Auburn, and Falls City in Nebraska understand these deeper connections so they can finally find long-term relief.
How Misalignment in the Feet Leads to Knee Pain
Your feet act as the foundation for your body. When they roll inward (overpronation), roll outward (supination), or flatten due to arch collapse, the knees are forced to rotate unnaturally. Over time, this abnormal movement pattern puts extra stress on the joints and leads to chronic knee pain.
Patients often describe stiffness after walking, discomfort climbing stairs, or aching around the kneecap – all signs that foot alignment may be contributing more than expected.
How Ankle Alignment Issues Affect the Knees, Hips, and Back
Even subtle ankle alignment issues can throw off the body’s natural balance. When the ankle leans too far inward or outward, the leg compensates, forcing the knee into unnatural positions.
Over time, this creates a chain reaction:
- Knees rotate awkwardly
- Hips tilt to adjust
- Lower back muscles tighten to stabilize
This explains why many patients come in for knee pain, but after assessment, the underlying issue begins at the ankle or foot.
Why Foot & Ankle Alignment Impacts Your Whole Body
Proper alignment supports healthy movement through every step. When alignment is off, every joint above the foot works harder. This can lead to:
- Joint fatigue
- Muscle strain
- Uneven weight distribution
- Worsening arthritis symptoms
Correcting alignment often reduces discomfort in multiple areas at the same time — especially knee pain, lower back tension, and hip stiffness.
Common Symptoms of Alignment Problems
You may be dealing with alignment issues if you notice:
- Frequent knee pain during walking or exercise
- Foot fatigue after short periods of standing
- Uneven shoe wear
- Ankles that roll inward or outward
- Pain that moves between feet, knees, hips, or back
These symptoms should never be ignored – early treatment helps prevent worsening alignment imbalances.
How Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons Diagnose the Problem
Our specialists use detailed exams, imaging, gait analysis, and biomechanical assessments to understand how your feet and ankles are affecting your knees and posture.
We provide care across: Omaha, Gretna, Lincoln, Grand Island, Hastings, Falls City, Auburn, Hebron, York, Wahoo
No matter where you are, we help pinpoint the cause so you can move with confidence again.
Treatments That Correct Alignment and Reduce Knee Pain
Every patient receives a customized plan, which may include:
1. Custom Orthotics
Orthotics support proper foot alignment, improve gait, and relieve stress on the knees and hips.
2. Physical Therapy
Strengthening and stretching the right muscle groups improves joint stability.
3. Bracing & Support
Ankle braces help correct ankle alignment issues and prevent inward or outward rolling.
4. Footwear Recommendations
Supportive shoes can make a noticeable difference in knee and back comfort.
5. Surgical Correction (When Needed)
For structural deformities, surgery may be the most effective long-term solution.
When to See a Foot & Ankle Specialist
If you’re experiencing ongoing knee pain, hip discomfort, or back tension — especially if it worsens after standing or walking — it’s time to get evaluated. Alignment issues rarely improve on their own, and early treatment can prevent joint damage further up the body.
Start With the Feet to Relieve Knee Pain
Knee discomfort doesn’t always originate at the knee. Poor foot alignment or ankle alignment issues often trigger pain throughout the body. By addressing the real source of the problem, you can reduce pain, improve posture, and protect your long-term mobility.
At Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we’re here to help you every step of the way – from diagnosis to personalized treatment.
