Can Foot Problems Cause Back Pain?

Yes, foot problems such as flat feet, high arches or overpronation can cause or contribute to lower back pain. Feet bear the entire weight of our bodies while absorbing the shock that we place on our bodies every day. So, when the foot’s functionality is affected, it can cause pain and discomfort in your knees, hips and lower back. Conservative treatments like chiropractic care or orthotics can help restore optimal foot functions and manage back pain. Let’s understand in detail the link between foot problems and back pain so you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

How are Foot Problems and Back Pain Related?

Our feet determine how we walk, move or maintain a posture throughout the day. It keeps our body in alignment allowing us to perform daily activities. However, when there is an issue with the foot’s structure or function, it can lead to imbalances affecting the entire musculoskeletal system including back muscles. It is similar to the effects of an injured spine on different parts of the body.

We raise our arches and lower them while walking. During this process, the bones of your leg and thigh rotate inwards and outwards. This rotation can become excessive due to foot problems like flat feet or overpronation resulting in increased strain on knees, pelvis and lower back.

How foot can cause backache?

Flat feet

A common foot misalignment, flat feet, often causes people to walk with their feet rolling excessively inward (overpronation). It can tilt the pelvis and disrupt the body’s natural posture. This altered biomechanics puts additional strain on the spine resulting in lower back pain.

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Overpronation

Overpronation occurs when you roll your foot far too inwards while walking. This leads to an unbalanced pelvis and an inward knee rotation. This strains the lower back muscles, causing stabbing pain.

Bunions

A bunion is a biomechanical foot defect characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big tow. This causes an outward shift in overall foot alignment, resulting in improper weight distribution. The misalignment strains the spine, knees and hips.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a ligament connecting the heels to the toes. It causes sharp heel pain as people tend to shift their weight while walking to avoid discomfort. This altered walking pattern strains back muscles and causes pain.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles Tendon, which is the largest tendon in the body connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It causes stiffness in the heel and lower leg, forcing people to change their walking patterns. This altered gait causes excessive pressure on the spine resulting in back pain.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone, causing pain and discomfort. People have to shift weight to avoid discomfort in the affected foot. This altered walking pattern disrupts body alignment, placing extra stress on the ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

Leg length discrepancy

Structural or functional differences in the length of a leg can cause back pain. The discrepancy in leg length can tilt the pelvis, causing spinal alignment. This imbalance leads to muscle overuse and chronic back pain.

These are examples of how foot disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the back muscles. The treatments for back pain vary depending on what’s exactly causing it. If your feet are causing the pain, treatments focus on fixing the misalignments and relieving your pain.

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How Does The Back Pain Feel Like?

If back pain is caused due to foot problems, the pain may feel dull, aching or sharp depending on the severity of the problem. You can look out for the following symptoms to understand if some foot problem is causing the pain.

• Lower back discomfort- The pain often starts in the lower back and radiates down the hips, legs and glutes.
• Muscle fatigue- Tightness or soreness in the lower back muscles.
• Sharp pain with movement- Sudden sharp painful sensations or discomfort while you are moving.
• Limited range of motion- The back may feel stiff, especially after prolonged standing or walking.
• Chronic pain- The pain may become persistent and worsen with physical activity.

If you are feeling any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult a healthcare professional right away. They diagnose the exact underlying causes and prescribe suitable treatments accordingly.

What are the Common Treatments for Back Pain Caused by Foot Problems?

The treatments vary depending on the cause, severity and nature of your problem. Conservative therapies are widely regarded as the most effective treatments for back pain without causing side effects or needing surgery. In most cases, foot misalignments strain the back muscles causing pain. So, the treatments focus on correcting the misalignments and easing the stress on back muscles.

Here are the most popular conservative treatments that are effective for back pain treatment.

Chiropractic treatment

Foot misalignments like overpronation or heel spurs can alter walking patterns disrupting the normal spinal alignment. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to correct the spinal misalignment which reduces strain on your back muscles and joints. They may use joint mobilization and posture training to address different types of foot problems.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist helps you correct your walking pattern which is often the cause of back pain. They may guide you through strengthening exercises, stretching techniques, postural education and manual therapy to restore the optimal flexibility and range of motion in your lower leg extremities. This reduces strain on back muscles, providing you with relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture reduces pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. The procedure boosts blood flow to the feet, which helps with recovery from foot injuries or chronic conditions. It relieves strain on the lower back and restores proper foot function.

Orthotics

Foot orthotics can correct the misalignments in your feet, redistribute weight evenly and provide support to your feet. Wearing them regularly can help restore your natural walking pattern, thereby reducing strain on the back muscles and relieving your pain.

These are just some of the treatments that can help you with your back pain caused by foot problems. A chiropractor or physical therapist recommends the treatments after assessing your symptoms and diagnosing the problem accurately.

How to Prevent Back Pain Due to Foot Problems?

You can make some lifestyle changes to prevent back pain caused by foot problems. Here are some tips you can follow:

Wear appropriate footwear- Choose shoes that provide proper arch support, cushioning and a firm heel to reduce strain on your feet and back.

Use custom orthotics- Customized orthotics help correct alignment in your feet and improve overall posture.

Stretch your feet- Perform daily exercises to improve the flexibility, strength and stability of your feet and ankles.

Maintain a healthy weight- A healthy weight reduces pressure on joints and prevents foot or back issues.

Practise good posture- Maintain a proper posture while standing, walking and sitting keeping your feet, hips and spine aligned.

Stay active- Engage in low-impact activities like cycling or swimming to keep your muscles and joints healthy.

Foot problems and misalignments are common. Don’t worry if you are experiencing back pain because of disorders in your feet. You can seek conservative treatments at physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics like Physiotherapy First. Get the symptoms addressed early to receive a customized treatment plan best suited for your condition.

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