What Causes Low Back Pain: 2 Foot Problems

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.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.