Let’s take a look at how your feet might be causing you to experience debilitating back pain.
I received a question from an avid blog reader, and he asked:
“Can my feet be leading to my back pain?”
And the quick answer is YES.
CLICK HERE to watch the YouTube video.
However, I wanted to look into the research for more details. I came across an article from Rumitology published last September 17, 2013, which noted that pronation could lead to back pain in women, and orthotics may be needed.
Pronation
Within the foot, there is an arch. If the arch is too high, it is called supination, and if there is no arch, it is called pronation or flat feet. So having flat feet or excessive pronation in the foot can lead to your low back pain. Orthotics may help.
While this study specifically looked at women, it is reasonable to assume that it also applies to men. They recommend orthotics, but orthotics are a fairly aggressive intervention, and there are other things you can do before taking on the expense of orthotics.
Human Factors published an article last August 2013 on which you can base some of your actions. According to the article, using anti-fatigue mats will decrease discomfort.
Another article specifically on orthotics was published last March 2013. The article noted, “Yes, utilizing orthotics decreases low back pain.”
An intermediate step that you can do is adding soft insoles to your work boots, especially if you work in a hard environment. This will decrease your back pain. It might not decrease your lower body pain. The key thing to remember is to change those insoles frequently.
The one last thing to remember when we start talking about feet and back pain is: obesity also plays a role in increasing the risk of low back pain.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of low back pain. It could be a cause of low back pain.
Summarizing the points that I mentioned:
- Your feet could be the cause of your low back pain.
- Before you jump in and get orthotics to fix the problem, take a step back and try the anti-fatigue mats if you are in a work environment where you are required to stand most of the time.
- Go with the soft insole in your shoe (and replace them often).
- Being overweight or obese can cause low back pain.
- And if all else fails regarding the anti-fatigue mats and the insoles in your shoe, then give orthotics a go.
So, there you go!
Make sure to swing by ExercisesForInjuries.com and enter your injury or pain. There is a good chance I have a video, an interview, or a blog post on your injury or pain. There is a good chance I have something for you that will help you. Enter in your injury or pain.
Secondly, if you watch this on YouTube, head above and hit Subscribe. Every couple of days, you will receive a video like this, a guest video from one of my friends in the fitness world, or an interview that I have done with one of my friends in the fitness world.
Third, head down below hit “Like,” and leave me a comment or question.
Take care!
Rick Kaselj, MS
If you want to take charge of your back pain and eliminate it safely, click here to check out the Low Back Pain Solved program.
