Are your Knee, Hip or Back issues tied to your feet?
Many people would believe that if someone has chronic knee, hip or back pain that the treatment for the issue would be localized to those areas of the body. However, new studies show that often the best course of action is utilizing non-invasive and drug-free methods to treat other areas of the body that ultimately impact the functionality and balance of the knees, hips, and back.
As the foundation of the body, the feet can often be the root cause associated with other joints. So conservative foot treatments such as orthotics, RICE, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication can prove to be very beneficial.
When an individual’s foot become stiff and immobile, it limits the connective tissue and tendon elasticity which prevents the foot from moving smoothly. This can cause gait and balance issues when walking or exercising, showing just how much feet can contribute to misalignment and soreness in the ankles, knees, legs, hips, and back.
Foot conditions that are most consistent with adding strain to the rest of the body are plantar fasciitis, overpronation, high arches, flat feet (or fallen arches), and leg length discrepancy. The best way to protect your knees, hips, and back from chronic pain, as well as the daily aches and pains, is with proper foot care.
This includes being proactive to your body’s needs by providing it with the proper support it needs.
The best way to provide your foot with the support it needs is by adding high-quality orthotics to your footwear. Shoe Insoles are a proven preventive measure, aiding in the support of your foot’s arches and providing comfort to your heels and toes. With consistent use of orthotics, you can drastically reduce the inflammation and pain associated with foot conditions that affect other parts of the body.
Additionally, a visit to a Podiatrist is often necessary to diagnose and treat chronic foot pains properly. The Podiatrist will examine your feet to give you a proper evaluation and determine if gait and misalignment are at the root of the pain the rest of your body feels. As we always say, good health starts from the ground up!