There is a possibility that your lower back pain is caused by your feet. You may not think about your feet very often, but they are essential to helping you move. When your feet suffer, other parts of your body are put under stress.
There are a number of foot problems that can cause pain in your lower back, including plantar fasciitis and bunions.
Your lower back is connected to your feet
80% of Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their lives with the worst cases becoming chronic. Another source reports that 54% of adults have had back pain for more than five years.
One of the most common causes of back pain is also the most treatable: problems with your feet. When you think about it, though, this makes logical sense. When your feet hurt, you change your gait (as podiatrists refer to it). Walking differently to deal with foot pain throws your entire body out of alignment, especially your back and hips. In the end, your lower back starts to hurt constantly.
Spending too much time sitting down and not getting enough exercise can also cause back pain.
Foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that feels like a stabbing pain in your heels. It usually gets worse when you wake up and gradually improves throughout the day. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which it becomes inflamed between the heel and the balls of your feet.
Plantar fasciitis is more likely to develop if you suddenly increase your physical activity too rapidly, or if you’re overweight. Stretching is recommended, but you should avoid tearing the fascia.
A bunion
Most often, bunions develop at the base of your big toe, at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTJ). They may be genetic, but sometimes they are caused by your footwear habits. The perfect conditions for bunions to form can be created by wearing shoes that are too tight in the toes.
Bunions may cause the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Soreness
- Pain while walking
Corns and calluses between toes
The hammertoes
It may even appear as if your big toe overlaps or presses against other toes. If you have a bunion, see our specialist because it won’t go away on its own.
Actions that can be taken
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis and bunions can be relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®) and ice packs.
Additionally, bunions can be treated with bunion pads to relieve pressure on your feet. And with both conditions, wearing proper footwear is essential. Wear supportive shoes with plenty of room around your toes.
The custom orthotics you can wear in your shoes can also help you maintain better posture, relieve pain, and regain balance by custom-fitting your feet.
You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.