If you are experiencing pain in your lower back, hips or knees, you may be surprised to learn that this could be the result of poor foot health. The feet come under immense pressure as we walk and move around each day, and when the weight of the body is not correctly spread throughout the foot, this can cause pain in other areas of the body that can affect your mobility and general wellbeing.
There are many causes of foot pain, and some of these can be resolved simply and quickly with some adjustments to your footwear or the use of custom-made orthotics. The best way to resolve foot pain fast is to book a free assessment with one of our foot wellness experts. One of our team members will take the time to understand the pain you are experiencing and identify any problems with your feet that are affecting your knees, hips and back, so that we can help you to find a solution that works for you.
Foot problems that may cause pain
There are many potential problems with the feet that can cause pain in other areas of the body, such as the hips, knees and lower back. These include:
- Flat feet. Flat feet occur when the natural arch of the foot becomes flattened. This can be a lifelong condition or may develop later in life if the arches ‘drop’—a change that sometimes happens due to factors like weight gain or pregnancy. If you have flat feet, your feet are more likely to roll inward as you walk or run. This movement, known as overpronation, can place extra stress on other parts of the body, such as the legs, which have to work harder to compensate. People with flat feet may also be more prone to tendinitis, particularly in the Achilles tendon at the back of the leg, which often takes on extra strain when the arch isn’t doing its job. Custom-made orthotics can help by providing the necessary support for the feet, improving how they move and reducing the risk of discomfort and related issues.
- Overpronation. Although overpronation is often linked to flat feet, it can also occur for other reasons and may lead to pain in the hips, knees, and lower back. Overpronation refers to the feet rolling inward more than normal during walking or running. This excess motion can place added stress on the ankle and the arch of the foot, leading to misalignment in the legs. As a result, it increases the risk of various injuries and foot conditions, such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Custom-made orthotics are made especially to fit the unique curvature of your foot and can create essential support in all the right places to keep your feet in great shape and reduce or alleviate pain.
- Bunions. Bunions are a common condition that may have a genetic factor and are often linked with the wearing of tight or narrow shoes that put pressure on the toes. Bunions form when the joint of the big toe becomes swollen and misaligned, forming a bony lump on the side of the foot, which can cause pain and inflammation. As bunions worsen, they can impact mobility and balance and can cause complications with the way you walk. The misalignment of the foot can affect the alignment of the knee, in turn, and this can also affect the hip joints. There are several types of treatment for bunions, including toe separators and splints to hold the toes in the correct position, and in some cases, surgery may be suggested to relieve the pain caused by more severe bunions.
- Hammertoes. Hammertoes also affect the bones of the feet, when the toes become misaligned and are pushed into a claw-like shape, usually at the middle joint. If you have developed hammertoes, you may experience pain and pressure on the toes, especially if they no longer fit inside shoes comfortably. You may need to seek specialist help to find shoes that will accommodate the condition and give you the support you need to reduce pain and friction. Untreated hammertoes can affect the balance and the stability of the foot, and this is likely to affect the alignment of the ankle, knee and hip joints in turn. You may find that splints help to keep your toes aligned, and you may need to consider more permanent solutions, such as surgery, if the condition is severe.
Of course, prevention is better than cure, and if you are not experiencing this type of pain yet or you are noticing the very early stages of it, you can take steps to prevent it from developing. You may find that certain stretches or exercises are helpful, as well as using a foot roller or giving yourself regular foot massages. Simply changing your footwear can change your life, and visiting a Foot Solutions store can help you find options that suit your lifestyle and your feet.
Take Care of Your Feet at Foot Solutions In Ireland
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