Lower back pain is a widespread issue, affecting 18% of the global population. While poor posture and prolonged sitting are common culprits, one often-overlooked cause is poor foot mechanics. Your feet serve as the foundation for your body’s alignment—when they’re not functioning properly, it can lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain.
Studies show that people with flat feet are 4.5 times more likely to experience chronic lower back pain, highlighting the importance of proper foot posture in maintaining a healthy body posture.
How Do Your Feet Contribute to Lower Back Pain?
Your foot posture and biomechanics play a crucial role in maintaining spinal alignment. When the feet don’t function properly, the body compensates in ways that can strain the lower back. Here are some of the most common foot-related causes of back pain:
1. Overpronation (Flat Feet)
Overpronation occurs when the feet roll too far inward while walking, causing the legs to rotate inward as well. This leads to a forward tilt of the pelvis, increasing the curvature of the lower spine and putting excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
2. Poor Postural Foundations
Misalignment, muscle imbalances, and reduced mobility in the lower limbs can place stress on the joints and soft tissues of the back. When the feet are not properly aligned, the lower back has to work harder to compensate, leading to ongoing discomfort.
3. Unsupportive Footwear
Footwear that lacks proper arch support, cushioning, or stability can lead to misalignment and uneven weight distribution—both of which contribute to back problems. High heels, for example, shift your weight forward and increase pressure on the lower back, increasing the likelihood of pain.
How We Treat Lower Back Pain at The Foot Clinic
At The Foot Clinic, our podiatrists assess your foot posture, movement, and footwear to identify the root cause of your back pain. Treatment options include:
✔ Custom Orthotics – Provide arch support, improve alignment, and reduce strain on the lower back.
✔ Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) – Realigns foot joints for better posture and weight distribution.
✔ Strength & Stability Exercises – Strengthens core, glutes, and lower back to enhance support.
✔ Gait Retraining & Footwear Advice – Helps correct movement patterns and improve spinal alignment.
By addressing foot mechanics, we can help relieve your lower back pain and prevent future discomfort.
When Should You See a Podiatrist for Back Pain?
If you’re experiencing ongoing lower back pain—especially if it is accompanied by foot pain, knee pain, or hip discomfort—it may be time to have your foot posture and biomechanics assessed. Signs that your feet may be contributing to your back pain include:
✔ Flat feet or high arches
✔ Pain that worsens after standing for long periods
✔ Uneven shoe wear patterns
✔ Feeling unbalanced or unstable when walking
✔ Frequent hip or knee discomfort
At The Foot Clinic, we specialize in identifying lower limb dysfunctions that could be affecting your postural health. Our goal is to help you move comfortably, efficiently, and pain-free.
The best time to see your Podiatrist is early in the development of symptoms. Take your first step back to pain free book in for a Biomechanical Assessment with one of our experienced Podiatrists today!
Useful links
Having correct posture is important for your overall health. Read more about posture and balance strengthening.