How insoles reduce pressure on knee joints while doing various activities

How insoles reduce pressure on knee joints while doing various activities

Active people will understand that different movements place various levels of strain on the knee joints. The knees will take force from both above and below. A person’s total body weight will impact the downward load, and the surface that the feet are walking on (along with the activity being performed) will impact knee pressure from below. Although studies use various techniques and it is difficult to record accurately, the studies carried out to date suggest that significant pressure is applied to the knee during everyday activities such as walking, running and exercise. Forces transmitted across the knee joint during normal walking range between 2 and 3 times body weight. This is in part due to the kinetics of acceleration, the high moments generated at the knee, and simultaneous contraction of multiple muscles. Walking downhill with significant knee flexion (bending) can increase this load to 8 times bodyweight. Because it’s subjected to forces up to 8 times bodyweight with running and jumping, the cartilage underneath the kneecap is among the thickest in the body. This cartilage is a natural shock absorber and protects the bony surfaces of the joint from stress. While cartilage doesn’t have any nerve supply, the underlying bone is highly innervated and becomes vulnerable when no longer protected by the padding of the cartilage. How can insoles help reduce knee pressure? Performance insoles can help to reduce knee pressure in a number of ways. Even the simplest insoles will add a layer of padding between the ground and the feet which will help to absorb some of the pressure. Specialist insoles use technology that works hard to diffuse even more of this load. Specifically, the best insoles provide structural support to correct poor gait which will allow the joints to align optimally to reduce knee pressure. They are also created with high-tech materials that work to provide shock absorption and impact protection. The multiple bodyweight pressure on knees can be measurably reduced by wearing performance insoles.   About Enertor Advanced Technology InsolesEnertor insoles are designed to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. Designed by leading podiatrists to reduce your risk of injury, the unique design features support your foot throughout training. Enertor insoles are enhanced by D3O impact protection technology, which means they can provide more shock absorption than any other insole. Our expertise, combined with the patented D3O shock absorption technology, enables Enertor to deliver the most advanced injury prevention insoles on the market today. Enertor insoles are available to buy from our online shop. Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site.
Back to blog