High Heels and Morton's Neuroma: Yes, There’s a Connection
They may look great and be a staple of your personal and professional wardrobe, but high heels can increase your risk of foot and ankle injuries like Morton’s neuroma.
The Connection Between Back Pain and Your Feet
Many people associate lower back and neck pain with lifestyle factors like poor posture and general wear-and-tear. However, improper foot mechanics and/or gait (your walking pattern) can also affect spinal alignment and increase your risk of back pain.
At Concord Podiatry, serving patients in Concord and Plymouth, New Hampshire, board-certified podiatrist David E. Biss, DPM, regularly treats back pain caused by foot issues.
Keep reading to discover common causes of back pain and how a podiatrist can help.
The connection between your feet and spine
Your feet provide the base for your entire musculoskeletal system. They support the weight of your body and allow you to walk, climb stairs, and run.
These activities require your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to work together. But foot conditions can affect weight distribution and stress your joints and lower back.
You could go years without experiencing symptoms. However, if these issues go untreated, they can take a toll on your back as you age and increase the risk of pain, stiffness, and mobility problems.
Foot problems that may cause back pain
Structural foot abnormalities, like high arches and flat feet, are two of the most common causes of back pain, but other factors can also increase your risk, including:
- Uneven leg length
- Gait issues, like pronation (an inward rolling of the foot that occurs during walking)
- Plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition that causes chronic heel pain
- Overuse
Additionally, wearing worn-out shoes or shoes that lack support can increase your risk of back pain. Such footwear doesn’t provide proper shock absorption, increasing the risk of discomfort.
Solutions for foot-related back pain
Dr. Biss takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating foot-related back pain. He reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, completes a podiatry exam, and conducts a gait analysis.
He also assesses your shoes and orders diagnostic imaging to check for fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. After gathering a complete picture of the factors causing your pain, he personalizes a treatment plan. Depending on your needs, he may suggest:
- Wearing comfortable shoes that offer support
- Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts) to correct biomechanical issues
- Stretches and exercises to strengthen your foot muscles and improve flexibility
- Using a mobility device, like a cane, to improve your gait
The goal is to help align your spine and make it easier to move comfortably.
Don’t wait to seek relief for foot-related back pain
Healthy feet play a crucial role in proper spine alignment. If you’re concerned your foot mechanics or walking pattern is responsible for your back pain, call the Concord Podiatry office near you today to schedule an appointment.
You Might Also Enjoy...
7 Foot Protection Tips for Runners
Runners are prone to a variety of injuries. However, prevention can go a long way in helping you avoid being a statistic. Follow our seven podiatrist-proven pro tips and keep your sprinting feet healthy year-round.
Preparing Your Home in Advance of Foot Surgery
If you need foot surgery, you need to plan your recovery time in advance. We have tips for preparing your home so you can rest and recover.
Managing Foot Pain During Pregnancy
If you’re wondering what to do about foot pain during pregnancy, you’re far from alone. Thankfully, there are many strategies you can implement to reduce pain and each of those achy feet. Read on to learn more.
5 Steps for Performing Your Own Diabetic Foot Check
You may not realize it, but foot health is inextricably linked to blood glucose levels. When you have diabetes, you’re at risk for developing peripheral neuropathy — reduced sensations in your feet. Check your feet regularly to save them. Here’s how.
Break or Sprain? Only an X-ray Can Tell for Sure
You rolled your ankle, and one thing’s for sure — it hurts. What’s not so clear is whether you’re dealing with a break or a sprain. An X-ray is the only way to know for sure so you can treat it right.