Weakened arches

went to my gp the other day with intermittent knee pain and tendonitis. came away with a diagnosis of weak arches in the foot never had any pain or problems with my feet so didn't expect it at all.

does anybody else have problems with weak/fallen arches in the feet? im trying to work out if there's a way i can strengthen the arches enough to straighten out my feet and improve the spread of the weight across my knees without the need for insoles and the like.

iv gone 1 day with some arch support insoles and my feet are hurting more than my knees do

If you have orthotics you will be in pain as it will change the weight distribution over your muscles, tendons and ligaments.

If you are really in pain I would seriously consider bespoke orthotics.

You might need to get used to wearing your orthotics slowly, half an hour or whatever you can manage at a time and build it up. I'd recommend seeing a Podiatrist

Sorry but i kept reading the post title as ''weekend arches ''
I wondered what the hell it was .lol

I have bespoke orthotics as my right arch had trouble supporting after I broke my metatarsal.

I also see the physiotherapist who made them.

They initially cost £120 for one pair although I am getting some more pairs to save me having to switch them from one pair of shoes to another and extra pairs will be £26.

I was at Burghley Horse Trials this year and there was a stand making custom supports there for £300 a pop but I think I'd try to find someone who didn't just do the supports but can offer treatment/physio too.

thanks for the info guys for the next couple of weeks, my gp's just suggested i try some arch supports and see if it alleviates the pain in my knees, they didn't mention anything about physio ... can i see a physio independently or do i need a referral?

iv been looking into orthotics on ebay ... probably a bad idea haha! the bespoke route sounds like the best idea, are they best obtained through a podiatrist or physio then im guessing?

Podiatrist would be the best bet, I am one! We are specifically trained in the foot and lower limb, you might find one who specialises in biomechanics or sports injuries. Have a look at www.feetforlife.org

I didn't see a GP as have private chiropractic treatment (I work in health and didn't have 100% faith in the nhs physio system or the thoroughness of it should I say).

You could try a sports physio, I just knew of private physiotherapy practice in my area. I had an initial assessment and then as she thought the orthotics would be needed she told me there was someone there who made them or they could refer me to an even more specialised place.

So I then went to see the other therapist, she took the casts of my feet (was lovely lol) and I then had a session of 6 treatments with her at about £35 a time.

I go back to her whenever I feel I need clicking back into place or am getting pain again, as I got lots of pain in that right knee......but not since I had my orthotics

I had mine done by a sports podiatris, he watched me stand and walk, made plaster casts of my feet etc etc.

They were not cheap but they were HEAVEN after years of pain.

Find a good podiatrist who will fit you with orthotic insoles, don't bother buying shops, they will not be tailor made for you.