Runner’s knee is a common condition that runners suffer from. One of the main causes of runner’s knee is faulty biomechanics. What happens in Runner’s knee is the knee cap tracts laterally causing rubbing and damage to the cartilage. There are multiple things that can cause the knee cap to track laterally such as a weak Vastus Lateralis, however that can be brought about by faulty biomechanics in the foot such as overpronation. Now the best treatment for faulty biomechanics in the foot is orthotics or insoles. What are the best orthotics for runner’s knee?
Well, the best orthotics for runner’s knee are custom orthotics created by a Podiatrist specifically for your foot. The Podiatrist will make a cast or mold of your foot and then create an orthotic specifically for your foot. These orthotics can cost as much as 450-600 dollars. However, in some cases they can be covered by insurance. If they are not covered and you are looking for an inexpensive alternative there are some quality over the counter orthotics on the market for runner’s knee. I would avoid using Dr. Scholl’s since they typically do not provide enough biomechanical control that you are looking for in runner’s knee. Below I have given a couple recommendations for orthotics for runner’s knee:
Spenco Polysorb Walker/Runner– It is important to realize that not all orthotics can be used in running. A lot of orthotics are designed to tolerate daily activities, not the stress of a one mile run. So you want to look for orthotics specifically designed for runners. Spenco Polysorb runner orthotics are such an orthotic for runners. This orthotic provides excellent shock absorption and stress reduction. However, if you have severe biomechanical issues I would avoid this orthotic since it does not provide as strong of biomechanical control as others.
10 Second Flatfoot Sport Insoles= Again here we have an orthotic for runners. This orthotic is specifically created for the athlete or runner with a low arch or flat feet. This orthotic can be the answer for people with low arches and the biomechanical issues that come with those problems.
Superfeet Orthotics– Probably my favorite orthotic when it comes for dealing with runner’s knee, these orthotics come in different colors and the colors signify a different foot type. So you can individualize your orthotic specifically for your foot type. These orthotics also feature a deep heel cup which is an ideal trait to look for when you are searching for an orthotic for biomechanical control.