09 Oct The Connection Between Back Pain and Your Feet
You’ve had persistent back ache for some weeks now and no treatment seems to be working. Unfortunately, like thousands of Australians, your lower back pain could become chronic. When it comes to getting to the root cause of back pain, there’s one cause that’s often overlooked: your feet. Yes, since your feet are the foundation of your body, if they are out of alignment, it can have a ripple effect on your musculoskeletal system, including your back. Let’s explore the relationship between your feet and your back and how our podiatrists can help sort out any back/feet issues.
Sciatic Nerve Issues
The sciatic nerve is actually a bundle of five nerves that runs from the lower part of your spine down your legs. It connects the spinal cord to many muscles in the leg and foot. When this nerve is pinched or compressed, you will feel pain in your lower back and feet, and is commonly referred to as sciatica.
Biomechanical Issues
Proper posture relies heavily on well-aligned feet. Misalignments or structural irregularities such as having poor posture, having flat feet, or having one leg that’s longer than the other can force your body to compensate. This puts more pressure on your hips and knees and leads to muscle imbalances and ultimately, chronic back pain.
Pronation Issues
Your walking style (gait) can be affected by your feet. Overpronation is when your feet turn inward; supination (underpronation) is when your feet turn outward. Any kind of abnormal gait can cause your spine and hips to move out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Take the First Step with Gait Analysis
If you suffer from backaches and think it may have something to do with your feet, visit our podiatrists who will conduct a comprehensive Gait Analysis. This evaluation involves studying your walking and running patterns to identify any abnormalities or concerns including foot strike patterns, stride length, and pronation. Our seasoned sports podiatrists often combine video gait analysis with pressure plate analysis, depending on your conditions/problems to gain valuable insights. We can pinpoint the underlying cause of your back pain and formulate a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Get Support with Custom Orthotics
A powerful tool in addressing foot-related issues and back pain is wearing the right footwear with enough arch support to keep your spine in alignment. In some cases, you may need orthotics to correct misalignments or structural irregularities in your feet and reduce strain on your back. Orthoses can also aid with shock absorption, minimising the impact on your spine and muscles, especially during activities like walking or running. Our podiatrists are able to craft custom orthotics in our in-house laboratory. These inserts will fit seamlessly inside your footwear so your feet get the support they need and align perfectly with your unique foot shape and gait. This individualised approach ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness in addressing your back pain.
The connection between your feet and back pain is real and often underestimated. At footinjuryclinic, we’re dedicated to providing expert care to alleviate your pain and enhance your overall well being. Don’t let foot-related issues hold you back any longer – take the first step towards a pain-free and active life with our specialised podiatry services.
Call our clinics today
- Bondi Junction: 9386 5400
- Barangaroo (BOSIC): 8599 9811
- St Ives: 9440 4600