If you are experiencing back pain constantly but don’t have kyphosis, scoliosis, or a similar condition, you need to be sure about the cause. But do flat feet cause back pain, too? Although other factors can influence the severity of pain, flat feet can be blamed for these kinds of problems. In order to prevent the pain from getting worse, you should address your condition.
How Are Flat Feet and Back Pain Connected?
If you are unsure whether you have a flat foot condition, it’s characterized by low arches in your feet. This condition makes the entire sole of your foot touch the ground while walking. Statistically speaking, those with flat feet have a 50% higher chance of developing back discomfort than those with high or average arches. The other factors that can worsen the pain include other pre-existing conditions and lifestyle.
Infants and toddlers up to the age of five have naturally low arches, and as they grow up, the condition corrects on its own. On the other hand, underdevelopment and genetics can be the factors that influence this condition to persist. Although the flat foot condition is hereditary, it can also be caused by injuries or other problems with health. As an adult, you can develop this type of condition if you’ve experienced the following:
- Had your calf or leg tendons torn,
- Suffered a broken bone,
- Have some type of nerve damage,
- Rheumatoid arthritis,
- Inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon.
Do Flat Feet Cause Back Pain and Why?
All our tissue, bones, muscles, and tendons are interconnected in a complex way, and as we use our bodies (for instance – for walking), the parts that we are using are causing other parts to flex and contract. Our interconnected system is the reason why a condition such as flat feet can cause your back to feel pain.
When you have a low arch in your foot, your ankles become misaligned, which, as a result, affects joints in the legs and feet. Furthermore, the joints in the knees and hips are affected, too, and the change in posture leads to an added weight in the lower back, resulting in back pain.
Nonetheless, it’s also important to keep in mind that flat feet don’t automatically mean you will be experiencing complications. Many people have this type of condition, yet, they do not experience any complications or issues.
How to Treat the Back Pain Caused by Flat Feet?
While flat feet surgery is always an option, your orthopedic surgeon will always try to find another solution first. There are several approaches when it comes to treatment methods, and you should talk to your doctor about what works best for you. You can wear custom orthotics, work on weight loss, or undergo physical therapy.
Weight Loss
Your doctor might advise losing weight through a diet combined with exercise because being overweight can worsen the symptoms of back pain brought on by flat feet. If you weigh significantly more than the recommended weight, this treatment may take longer to work than orthotics, but it’s also among the lasting options. After all, losing weight minimizes the pressure on the foot and stress on the spine.
Orthotics
Custom-made shoes or heel inserts called orthotics are used to address back, foot, and knee issues while you walk or run. They can be used independently or as a component of a larger treatment plan that your doctor may suggest. They are a low-cost, non-invasive solution that is simple to include in your daily routine.
Physical Therapy
Exercises for the flat foot condition are frequently advised for patients with severe or persistent back pain. These exercises are made to alleviate discomfort, enhance standing or walking posture, and fix fallen arches. For the first few sessions, your doctor might insist that you attend a clinic while also prescribing some exercises you can do at home.
Talk to Your Surgeon About the Most Effective Solution
If you are experiencing pressure on your spine or any other issue concerning your back, such as pain or stiffness, it might be the result of untreated flat feet. In such cases, it’s a good idea to reach our team at Luxe Foot Surgery to consider your options for treatment. Contact us about any issue you might have, and don’t hesitate to book your appointment.
FAQ
How Do You Relieve Back Pain From Flat Feet?
You can relieve the back pain caused by flat feet if you practice different exercises, use orthotics and even decide to lose some weight.
Can Flat Feet Give You Lower Back Pain?
Flat feet condition might not cause any issues, but it can also be the reason why you’re experiencing back pain. This is emphasized if it’s connected with other issues, such as spine problems.
