Could A Chiropody Appointment Help Alleviate Your Back Pain?

Chiropody, which is also known as podiatry, focuses specifically on your feet and treating common issues that occur in this part of the body. 

However, while a chiropodist will focus on your feet during an appointment and with any subsequent treatment they recommend, our bodies are interconnected systems and that means correcting an imbalance at the base can have an effect elsewhere.

In simple terms, this is why a chiropody appointment could help alleviate back pain, because the alignment of the muscles and bones in your legs all stem from your feet. 

What foot issues can cause back pain?

There are various foot problems that can result in back pain, but one of the most common is what’s known as overpronation. 

This means that your feet roll too far inwards, which sets off a chain reaction through which your legs also rotate too far inwards, causing a rotation of your pelvis that puts strain through your lower back and causes pain.

One study found that chiropody treatments, such as orthotic inserts for shoes, can help to correct overpronation and in the process alleviate lower back pain. 

There has also been further research into whether foot orthotics specifically have a positive impact on lower back pain, which discovered that when this approach is combined with chiropractic treatments, patients experience significantly reduced pain in their backs.

How do I know if I need foot orthotics? 

If you are experiencing any pain in your feet, it’s a good idea to book into a chiropody clinic to have an assessment and start the process of working out what is causing the issue.

However, as we’ve seen, foot pain isn’t the only indication that your feet need some TLC. Back pain, as well as hip or knee pain, can also stem from an incorrect foot position, which is why a chiropodist is a good professional to see if you are unsure of what to do next.

Your chiropodist will assess your posture and movement as you stand, walk and potentially run. They’ll also ask you about the type of footwear you typically use and build a picture of how much and what kind of exercise you do. 

This information will help them to work out whether your feet are the likely cause of your back pain and, if so, whether foot orthotics for your shoes are an appropriate treatment option. 

Is back pain always caused by issues with your feet?

The causes of back pain can be complex and vary from person to person. Not all back issues stem from an incorrect foot position or another issue with your feet, which is why seeing a chiropodist is useful.

They will be able to tell you if your feet are where your back pain is likely originating, or will be in a position to refer you to an alternative professional, like a chiropractor or osteopath, if they feel this is the most appropriate next step for you to take. 

Ultimately, getting a professional opinion about your posture, starting with your feet, will always be helpful and, if you do suffer from back pain, could help alleviate your symptoms.