1 in 6 Australians experience some form of back pain, and these problems often lead to poorer quality of life, psychological distress, bodily pain, and disability.
Your feet are the basis for your entire foundation. They play a crucial role in how you walk and stand, affecting your gait. An incorrect gait can disrupt the alignment of your spine and result in complications with your lower back, hips, and knees.
Overpronation
Posture is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Overpronation means that your foot rolls inward as you move, which puts strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and back, causing lower back pain. Personalised orthotics can correct overpronation by providing arch support and keeping your ankle in the correct position. It’s important to get custom-made orthotics to ensure your gait is corrected by the right amount, and not overcorrected.
Under pronation
Under pronation, or Supination, occurs when your ankle rolls outward, rather than inward.
This can cause Achilles Tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, shin splints, iliotibial band syndrome, and other shock-related injuries. Supination is often caused by high arches.
Sciatica pain
Sciatica is inflammation and pain in the Sciatic Nerve. This nerve starts in the base of the spine and runs down the legs. There are many causes of Sciatica, such as a herniated disc, differences in leg height, and poor posture. Sciatica often causes burning, tingling, and sharp pain that travels down the leg. If caused by different leg heights, custom orthotics to raise the height of one leg can alleviate this pain. Orthotics can also alleviate Sciatica caused by poor posture.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis can cause aching or burning pain on the heel or sole of the foot.
There’s lots of causes of Plantar Fasciitis, including being flat-footed, having high arches, and wearing shoes with stiff soles. Orthotics with arch support or cushioning can help alleviate Plantar Fasciitis.
Upper and middle back pain
In addition to lower back pain, poor posture from a misaligned gait can cause muscular pain in your middle and upper back as it misaligns your knees, hips and shoulders.
Custom orthotics can ease or correct a range of foot and back problems. At Grace Podiatry, we carry out a thorough examination, scan your feet in 3D, and provide custom-made orthotics without you having to leave home. Contact us today to book an at-home appointment.
