Relieve Chronic Low Back Pain with Custom Foot Orthotics
Low back pain can develop due to injury, disease, or stresses on different body structures. It is considered “chronic” if has been experienced for over three months. There are a variety of pain types experienced by those with chronic low back pain, including bone, muscle, and/or nerve pain. The intensity of the pain can vary based on how it was caused, so the most viable way to treat it is to identify how it came about in the first place.
The Feet and Low Back Pain
A common (yet often undetected) cause of low back pain is inadequate foot and arch alignment. The feet are the supporting foundation of the skeletal system, playing a crucial role in the stability, mobility, and balance of the body. Whether standing still or moving around, the arch of the foot is a shock absorber, and the entire structure of the foot provides guidance for weight-bearing skeletal joints. The spine is one of these joints, and it’s affected by poor foot and arch alignment.
Pronation occurs when there is extra rotation of the foot. An over-pronated foot can cause balance problems for the entire body, as well as tension and compression on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the skeletal joints. This includes the spine. There are devices available to correct conditions caused by a pronated foot.
Foot orthotics are therapeutic devices designed to help relieve the problems caused by foot problems. They can be custom made for each individual’s particular needs. By providing adequate support for the arches of the foot, these devices assist with keeping the lower body in proper form, resulting in a positive effect on weight-bearing skeletal joints (such as the spine). After wearing them for a while, users feel pain relief in their backs and other areas. Orthotics may also be designed for specific activities and footwear.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic low back pain, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centres (PARC) of Ontario can help. We have six locations in the Greater Toronto Area to assist you, so contact us today: (905) 579-9938.