Stepping Up Your Foot Health: Understanding the Link Between Foot Problems and Hip, Knee, and Back Pain

Your feet do a lot – they hold you up, keep you steady, and soften the bumps of walking, running, and jumping.

What happens if your feet don’t work right? How does that affect the rest of you?

In this blog, we will explore how foot problems can lead to hip, knee and back pain and what you can do to prevent and treat them. Whether you have flat feet, high arches, bunions, plantar fasciitis, or any other condition, this blog is for you!

foot problems

Why can foot problems lead to hip, knee, and back pain?

Standing puts the weight of our body on our feet, and walking puts even more force on them. That’s why our feet need to be in good posture and alignment. Otherwise, they can cause problems for our back, hips, and knees, which depend on our feet for stability and balance.

When our feet are in bad posture, the bones of our feet can move out of place, this is called a subluxation. It can also make the knee joint move out of alignment, which makes the knee bend incorrectly.

What foot problems can trigger pain in the back, hip, and knee?

If the feet are misaligned, injured, or have structural abnormalities, they can cause changes in the way you walk, which can put stress and strain on the hips, knees, and back.

 Some common foot problems that can lead to foot pain as well as in other joints are:

Overpronation:

  • This condition happens when the foot rolls inward too much when walking or running, causing the arch to flatten and the ankle to twist.
  • Overpronation can cause the leg to rotate inward, affecting the alignment and stability of the knee and hip joints. 
  • It also can increase the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis.

Flat feet:

  • This is when the arch of the foot is low or absent, resulting in the entire sole of the foot touching the ground. 
  • Flat feet can lead to foot overpronation, as well as reduce the shock absorption and cushioning of the foot.
  • It can also cause poor posture and spine alignment, leading to back pain and stiffness.

Bunions: 

  • This is when the big toe joint enlarges and deviates outward, forming a bony bump on the side of the foot. 
  • Bunions can cause pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility of the big toe, which can affect the balance and gait of the foot. 
  • Bunions can also cause the foot to overpronate, affecting the knee alignment and function and hip joints.

Hammertoes:

  • This is when the toes bend upward at the middle joint, forming a claw-like shape. 
  • Hammertoes can cause pain, pressure, and friction on the toes, especially when wearing shoes.
  • Hammertoes can also affect the balance and stability of the foot, affecting the alignment and function of the ankle, knee, and hip joints.

 

If you have any of these conditions, consult Dr Ehab Kheir, a foot care expert who offers several treatment options for foot problems. 

How to prevent and treat foot problems

There are many ways to prevent and treat foot problems, depending on the type and cause of the problem. Some general tips are:

  • Wear shoes that fit well and have enough space for your toes. Avoid shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled.
  • Use foot pads, cushions, or orthotics to relieve pressure and friction on your feet. You can buy them over the counter or get them prescribed by a podiatrist.
  • Do exercises and stretches to strengthen your feet and improve your flexibility and circulation. You can also massage your feet or use a foot roller to relax your muscles and tendons.
  • See a foot doctor if you have persistent or severe foot problems. He will diagnose and treat your condition and recommend the best action for your foot health.

Get Your Foot Problems Treated with Dr Ehab Kheir.

Dr. Ehab Kheir is a skilled consultant surgeon in trauma and orthopedics, specializing in foot and ankle surgery. He provides a wide variety of services, from assessment and non-surgical treatments to complex surgery and recovery. 

Dr Ehab will tailor a treatment plan that matches your needs and goals and help you reach the best possible result.

Schedule an appointment with Dr.Ehab Kheir today and get ready to enjoy the benefits of healthy and happy feet!