Lower back pain can be caused by several reasons. One of the contributing culprits could be flat feet. Flat feet occur when the arches of your feet collapse, causing your entire foot to make contact with the ground.
If you have flat feet, read this blog to find out how they could be the reason behind lower back pain. Learn how you can manage and alleviate it completely.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, or pes planus, happen when the arches of the feet collapse, making the whole sole touch the ground while standing. This can change your posture and walking style, which may also affect other parts of your body, like your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
The causes of flat feet can range from congenital factors to physical reasons such as injury, damage, or certain underlying conditions. While some people with flat feet have no symptoms, others may experience pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.
How Flat Feet Cause Lower Back Pain?
Flat feet can affect your body, causing pain in the lower back and surrounding areas. Here is how:
- Biomechanical Misalignment: Flat feet can change the way you walk, putting stress on your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. This misalignment causes pain in the joints and strain on muscles.
- Lack of Shock Absorption: Arched feet help absorb shock and spread your body weight evenly. Flat feet don’t do this well, which puts extra pressure on the joints in your legs, hips, and spine, leading to lower back pain.
- Increased Risk of Chronic Pain: More than half of people with flat feet may have lower back pain, especially if they are over 25 and overweight. This happens due to long-term misalignment of the spine and possible osteoarthritis.
Diagnosing Back Pain Caused By Flat Feet
Joint pain and muscle strain are common causes of lower back pain from flat feet. A pain management specialist can perform a physical exam and check your mobility to confirm this. Over time, flat feet can also cause spinal misalignment and osteoarthritis. Hence, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can help doctors confirm if lower back pain is caused by flat feet.
Treating Lower Back Pain Caused by Flat Feet
If your lower back pain is linked to flat feet, here are some effective treatment options to resolve it:
- Custom orthotics provide extra support and help correct foot alignment
- Physical therapy helps strengthen the arches and improve posture
- Losing weight can reduce pressure on your feet, alleviating pain in the lower back
- In rare cases, surgery might be needed
Final Say!
Yes, flat feet can cause back pain. When the arches collapse, it can affect your posture and put extra stress on your back, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. It can be confirmed through physical exams, x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs based on your condition. Taking care of flat feet with treatments like custom orthotics or physical therapy can help reduce back pain.
If you’re experiencing acute or chronic lower back pain, see a doctor at Genesis Pain Clinic for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Book a consultation at (913) 871-9888.