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Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Back pain is a common condition that can make walking, standing, sitting, and everyday activities uncomfortable. Lower back pain may develop from muscle strains, injuries, arthritis, spinal conditions, or other underlying causes. Symptoms can include aching, stiffness, sharp pain, and discomfort that sometimes extends into the hips or legs. Foot structure, footwear, and walking mechanics may also influence how the body moves, although they are not established causes of most back pain.

Learn about back pain symptoms, common causes, and treatment options, including exercise, physical therapy, and other approaches to managing discomfort. Supportive footwear and properly selected insoles may improve comfort during standing and walking, but they are not proven treatments for back pain itself. Our Board-Certified Pedorthists provide expert guidance on foot mechanics, arch support, cushioning, and insole selection to help you find appropriate support for your feet.

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Feet Can Be the Cause of Back Pain

Back pain is something that most people will experience during their life and is the leading cause of disability for Americans under the age of 45. The pain can be aching or throbbing or pinching and the intensity can range from mild to severe. Back pain can drastically affect your life in many ways and should be carefully treated.

 At times the lack of support beneath he arches can be a cause of back pain, especially for those with fallen arches or flat feet.

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What Is Back Pain?

The phrase “back pain” explains itself – pain in your back. There are numerous causes of back pain and some causes are more serious than others. Here we will focus on cases in which the feet are contributing to the back pain. Your feet are the foundation of your entire body, and if they are not supported properly you may experience problems all the way up.

If your feet are the root of your back pain, the pain will generally be located in the lower portion of the back.

What Causes Back Pain?

The causes of back pain are numerous, and there are many cases in which general back pain stems from the feet. Foot conditions such as overpronation or flattening of the arches can cause a rotation of your leg bones when you walk, which can lead to greater stress on your knees and lower back. This is one of the main causes of back pain relating to the feet. Shoes that are too soft, cushioned, or flimsy will aggravate the condition.

What Can I Do?

In most cases, you should see a doctor for diagnosis as to what is causing the problem. If your feet are contributing to your back pain, you will want to make sure you have good shoes with proper support. Your shoes should be firm with light cushioning; if you can bend your shoe in half or twist it easily it is too flimsy and should be avoided. If you have a flat foot or a falling arch a motion control or stability shoe may prove helpful. Insole or orthotics in your shoes may also provide relief.

There have been many cases where proper using an insole in a good supportive shoe has completely alleviated lower back pain.

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