Many people often overlook the correlation between the feet and their back pain. The shape, size, and arch of your feet can in fact have an effect on specific areas of your back, neck, and hips. A Minnesota spine doctor has observed that problems and misalignments in the feet can create tension and cause pain in other parts of the body and is therefore essential to be aware of the role that your feet can play in back pain.
What Is The Relationship Between Foot Arches and Back Pain?
Most people have either a high, normal or flat arch. It is possible to acquire foot deformities, such as fallen arches, that can be painful and hard to treat. When your arch goes out of balance, the lower body is thrown into misalignment, which may have an adverse effect on the back, hips and neck. To prevent and manage back pain, it is important to identify and treat biomechanical problems in the feet.
What Are The Causes Of Misaligned Feet?
Obesity
Excess body weight increases the pressure on the feet and can lead to misalignment. Carrying extra weight can make it harder for the ligaments to find the proper balance from the connecting bones, resulting in a misalignment that can cause back pain.
Aging
As we age, our feet and joints are more prone to wear and tear, which can result in an unnatural alignment of the feet. Misalignment can also cause spinal misalignment, leading to back pain.
Injuries
Injuries to the feet, like ankle sprains, can cause misalignment. Even the slightest of injuries can cause misalignment that can lead to serious back or neck conditions over the long term.
Diseases
Significant diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, can cause misalignment that can further damage the feet and lead to back pain.
Hereditary Conditions
Today, a host of inherited conditions can affect the shape, size and arch of the feet. An inherited deformity such as flatfoot can cause misalignment in the feet, resulting in pain in other areas of the body.
What Are The Symptoms Of Foot Misalignment?
Pain in the feet and lower back are common symptoms of misalignment. Other symptoms include heel pain, hip pain, and even headaches. Misalignment of the feet can also lead to clawing of the toes, swelling, and discomfort when walking or standing for long periods.
How Do You Treat Foot Misalignments?
Treatment for misalignment varies depending on the cause and severity of the misalignment. If the condition is minor, your doctor may recommend wearing orthotic inserts or switching to more supportive shoes. In more severe cases, custom orthotics may be necessary to correct the misalignment. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to stretch or strengthen the muscles in the lower body. In the worst cases, surgery may be the only option.
People Also Ask:
What causes pain in the back?
Back pain can be caused by injuries, overuse and misalignment of body parts, underlying medical conditions, and poor posture.
How long does it take to fix misaligned feet?
The time it takes to treat misaligned feet depends on the severity of the condition, what type of treatment is used, and how compliant the patient is with the doctor’s instructions. Generally, it can take weeks to months for a patient to experience relief from the back pain caused by their misaligned feet.
Can wearing the wrong shoes cause back pain?
Yes, wearing the wrong type of shoes can lead to misalignment in the feet and ultimately cause back pain.
Are foot exercises effective for treating misalignment?
Yes, certain foot exercises and stretches may help to improve arch support, strengthen the muscles and ligaments, and realign the body to reduce foot and back pain caused by misalignment.
Can orthotics help with back pain?
Yes, wearing orthotics can help to reduce pain and discomfort caused by misalignment. Orthotics are designed to provide extra support to correct any misalignment in the feet or thigh muscles that may lead to back pain.
Final Words
Having improperly aligned feet can have a major effect on your back, neck and hips. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to pay attention to any changes in the shape, size, and arch of your feet. Consulting a doctor and getting proper treatment for misalignment may be the key to better spine health.