Is Your Foot Pain Causing Your Back Pain?

Building Better Biomechanics

You've likely searched for it yourself: "Why does my knee hurt when I run?" or "How to fix my posture." We often treat these aches and pains in isolation, focusing on the area that hurts the most. But what if that persistent lower back pain or sore knee isn't the real problem, but a symptom of an issue that starts with your feet?

This is the core principle of biomechanics, the science of how your body moves. Understanding your unique biomechanics is the key to unlocking the root cause of chronic pain, and in the blog below, Amarillo Foot Specialists will explain the topic in detail.

What Are Biomechanics? Think of Your Body Like a Car

In simple terms, biomechanics is the study of your body's alignment and movement.

Think of it like the alignment on your car:

·       If one tire is out of alignment, it doesn't just wear down that single tire; it causes uneven wear on the others, strains the suspension, and can even make the car pull to one side!

Your body works the same way:

·       Your feet are the "tires" that connect you to the ground. If they are not properly aligned due to issues like flat feet or high arches, it sets off a chain reaction up your body's "kinetic chain."

This is why a seemingly small issue in your foot can manifest as ankle instability, shin splints, knee pain, hip issues, and even chronic lower back pain.

Who Needs a Biomechanical Analysis?

While everyone can benefit, a biomechanical evaluation is especially crucial for certain individuals whose lifestyles put unique stress on their bodies:

The "Weekend Warrior" Athlete:

Repetitive impact from running or sports can quickly expose and aggravate underlying biomechanical flaws, leading to injury.

The Desk Worker:

Sitting for long hours can weaken core muscles and tighten hip flexors, which can alter your posture and gait when you finally do get up and move.

The Service Professional:

For nurses, teachers, and retail workers who spend all day standing on hard floors, even minor misalignments can lead to significant fatigue and pain over time.

Seniors:

As we age, our arches can lower and ligaments can lose some of their elasticity, changing our foot structure and impacting our overall alignment.

The Solution: From Analysis to Custom Orthotics

A biomechanical analysis in a podiatrist's office is a comprehensive evaluation of how you stand, walk, and run. By observing your gait, we can identify the specific imbalances that are causing your pain.

·       The most effective solution for correcting these issues is often custom orthotics. These are not the generic, soft inserts you buy at a pharmacy.

·       Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices, created from a precise 3D scan or mold of your feet.

·       They are designed to correct your specific mechanical faults, providing the foundational support needed to realign your entire kinetic chain, from your feet all the way up to your back.

Struggling with a chronic ache in your knees, hips, or back? A biomechanical analysis can uncover the root cause of your discomfort and provide a lasting, non-surgical solution. Get in touch and find out for yourself today!

Contact Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 today to schedule a consultation! We look forward to seeing you.