The link between flat feet and back pain is a real phenomenon that can no longer be ignored. People with flat feet have a greater risk of developing back pain, due to the impact and stresses that flat feet put on the rest of the body. This can include tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons, shin splints, as well as knee and hip pain.
What Is Flat Feet
It is a condition where one or both feet have little to no arch. When you stand, the pads of the feet press into the ground.
People with flat feet have a greater risk of developing various types of body pains due to the impact and stresses that flat feet put on the rest of the body. Flat feet can cause the following issues:
- Pain in your arch or heel area
- Back pain
- Leg pain
- Swelling on the inner bottom portions of your feet
- Numbness in your feet or ankles
- Foot fatigue
- Bunions
- Shin splints
Things To Check When Suspecting Flat Feet
- When the soles of your shoes wear out unevenly
- Your arches and/or low back hurt when you are standing on a hard surface for a long period of time
- When you look in the mirror one hip looks lower or higher than the other
- Your knees bow or knock inward
- If you stand on one knee and squat your knee buckles inward versus staying over top of your ankle in a straight line
- When you walk your foot or feet turn out
- Your achilles tendon (big tendon just above your heel) bows inward
- You are developing bunions (the joints on your big toes are getting bigger or swollen)
What Causes Flat Feet?
Some of the things that can make you have flat feet include:
- Loose ligaments
- Being overweight
- Hypermobility of the bones in the foot
- Family history of flat feet
- Short Achilles Tendon
- Locking of ankle
Ways To Prevent Flat Feet
Orthopedic arch– supporting shoe insert. Simply slip these inserts in your shoes. It provides your arch with added support and repositioning.
Footwear. –It’s best to change your footwear daily. It helps to ensure that your feet never adopt a certain shape. Avoid wearing high heels and tight shoes.
Healthy diet– It is important to maintain a healthy diet. It helps with weight loss which in turn can reduce the stress levels on your feet. Obesity can aggravate the conditions of flat feet.
Stretching and strengthening exercises -Dedicated stretching and strengthening programs can help ease your discomfort and may even reverse the flattening effect.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.mayoclinic.com
Written by :
Robert Washe
