Chronic lower back pain affects millions worldwide. From mild discomfort to debilitating pain, it tends to disrupt daily activities. While most folks associate this problem with injury or posture, the cause is often linked to the feet. A podiatrist in Essex, specialising in the health of the feet and lower limbs, can alleviate chronic back pain. Today, you will learn what podiatrists can do for you and what treatment options are available.
What Connects Your Feet with Chronic Lower Back Pain?
The feet are the foundation of the human body. After all, they support your entire weight and act as shock absorbers whenever you move. If your feet are misaligned, it will cause a ripple effect up your body. It results in imbalances and discomfort, which, in turn, might manifest as lower back pain. Conditions such as high arches, flat feet, or improper gait patterns contribute to this misalignment, straining your lower back muscles in the process.
How Foot Problems Hurt Your Back?
Here are a few ways foot issues can eventually affect the lower back.
Flat Feet and Over-Pronation
Flat-footed individuals over-pronate or roll their feet inward. It results in their legs rotating excessively inward, tilting the pelvis and exerting stress on the lower back.
High Arches and Supination
People with high arches tend to under-pronate or roll their feet inward. This position reduces the feet’s shock-absorbing abilities, affecting the spine with every step.
Abnormal Gait
Improper walking and running patterns lead to an uneven stride. It causes muscle imbalances and joint strain, which ultimately results in back pain.
Can Podiatry Assess and Address Lower Back Pain
A podiatrist in Essex is someone who understands foot mechanics and the science of lower limbs. By thoroughly assessing an individual’s feet, gait, and biomechanics, podiatrists identify all underlying issues contributing to lower back pain. Based on their knowledge and the patient’s assessment, they recommend personalised treatment options to reduce or eliminate both foot and backache.
Assessing Lower Back Pain through Podiatry
Here is an overview of how podiatrists assess lower back pain in their patients.
Gait Analysis
The specialist starts by examining your gait to identify possible abnormalities in your stride. To do that, they scan your feet and use medical video analysis to understand your movements fully. If you see it for yourself, it should help you identify the way you move and what to change.
Foot Structure Examination
Clinicians also analyse your foot arches, toe alignment, and the overall structure of your feet. It helps them identify conditions, such as high arches or flat feet.
Posture Evaluation
The clinician may assess your posture, as poor leg and foot alignment can affect how you stand and how you distribute your weight. Any misalignment may contribute to back pain.
If you are tired of dealing with chronic back pain, you should get your feet analysed by a podiatrist in Essex. You will never know the true cause until you rule out foot misalignment. You can reach out to some of the best podiatrists at Epping Physiotherapy Clinic. We make sure that pain and discomfort never rule your life. Make an appointment today.