Low back pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. While the causes of low back pain are varied, one often-overlooked factor is the health of your feet and the length of your limbs. At Leading Edge Podiatry, we frequently see patients whose back pain is linked to issues in their feet or differences in limb length. Understanding this connection can be the key to finding effective relief.
How Foot Problems Contribute to Low Back Pain
The alignment and function of your feet play a crucial role in your overall biomechanics. Issues such as flat feet, high arches, or improper footwear can lead to poor posture and abnormal walking patterns (gait). Over time, these issues can cause undue stress on your lower back.
Here are some common foot problems that can contribute to low back pain:
- Impact – Flat feet cause overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively. This misalignment can lead to compensatory changes in your gait, affecting the alignment of your knees, hips, and lower back.
- Solution – Custom orthotics can provide the necessary arch support, improving foot alignment and reducing strain on the lower back.
High Arches (Pes Cavus) and Back Pain
- Impact: – High arches can cause under pronation, where the foot doesn’t roll inward enough. This can lead to poor shock absorption and increased stress on the legs and lower back.
- Solution: – Custom orthotics can cushion high arches and improve weight distribution, reducing stress on the lower back.
Improper Footwear and Posture Issues
- Impact – Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support can exacerbate foot problems, leading to poor posture and back pain.
- Solution – Choosing proper footwear and using custom orthotics can help maintain proper foot alignment and posture.
Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD) and Its Impact on Back Pain
Pelvic Tilt and Spinal Strain
- Impact – A difference in limb length can cause the pelvis to tilt to one side, leading to an uneven distribution of weight and stress on the spine.
- Solution – Podiatrists can create custom orthotic lifts to equalize leg length, correcting the pelvic tilt and alleviating back pain.
Spinal Misalignment and Long-Term Effects
- Impact – The body may compensate for the uneven leg length by adjusting the curvature of the spine, leading to scoliosis or other spinal issues.
- Solution – Correcting limb length discrepancy with orthotics can help restore proper spinal alignment.
How Podiatry Can Help Improve Biomechanics
Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and lower limb conditions that can impact your overall biomechanics.
Here’s how podiatry can help alleviate low back pain linked to foot issues and limb length discrepancy:
- Process: – A thorough biomechanical assessment can identify foot problems and measure limb length discrepancies.
- Benefit – Understanding the root cause of your back pain allows for targeted treatment.
Custom Orthotics for Support and Alignment
- Process – Custom orthotics are designed to address specific foot issues, providing the necessary support and alignment.
- Benefit – Improved foot mechanics can lead to better posture and reduced strain on the lower back
Gait Analysis
- Process – Analysing your gait can reveal abnormal walking patterns and their impact on your body.
- Benefit – Gait correction strategies can be implemented to improve overall biomechanics.
- Process – Advising on proper footwear that provides adequate support and fits well.
- Benefit – Proper footwear can prevent and alleviate foot problems, reducing the risk of low back pain.
Orthotic Lifts for LLD
- Process – Custom orthotic lifts can be added to shoes to correct limb length discrepancies.
- Benefit – Equalizing leg length can correct pelvic tilt and restore proper spinal alignment.
Conclusion
Low back pain can often be traced back to issues with your feet or limb length discrepancies. At Leading Edge Podiatry, we are dedicated to helping you understand the connection between these factors and your back pain. Through comprehensive assessments, custom orthotics, and tailored treatment plans, we can address the root causes of your discomfort and help you achieve lasting relief. If you’re experiencing low back pain, consider a consultation with a podiatrist to explore how improving your foot health can positively impact your overall well-being.
Don’t let low back pain hold you back. Call Leading Edge Podiatry at 08 7120 6063 or book online today!