When you think about foot or ankle problems, you probably think first of those caused by injuries to the feet themselves – but there are other possible causes to be aware of. Here’s a guide to these, along with some practical advice:
Problems with your back
Surprising as it may seem at first, a lot of foot pain actually stems from back conditions, especially those caused by problems with the nerves in your lower back. Ask your podiatrist if you think this may apply to you, but here are some signs to watch for:
- If you have a pinched (“trapped”) nerve in your lower back, it may cause painful feet, usually with discomfort elsewhere in the affected leg.
- The large sciatic nerve in your back can sometimes become irritated, and this can lead to you finding it very hard to lift your feet while walking.
- A herniated disc in your lumbar region will push on the root of the nerve, and this is likely to cause pain that spreads down that nerve into your foot.
Problems with your hips
Your hips are positioned far from your feet, but they’re both attached to your legs. If you think about it, it’s not all that surprising that things that affect your hips may actually cause you discomfort or even pain in your feet.
- Many of your hip muscles are large and take a lot of pressure, and if they become tight – which is common – it can lead to awkward posture and foot pain.
- This is a particular concern if you have a desk job that doesn’t require much exercise, as you run the risk of many muscles being out of shape.
- Foot pain results from the fact that, if the hip joint can’t flex properly, your body will try to compensate with your ankle instead, leading to unnatural movement and discomfort.
Treatment for these conditions
Back- and hip-related foot and ankle conditions can usually be treated effectively, often without the need for surgery. However, it’s vital to have a medical professional diagnose the problem correctly, otherwise your injury could be made worse.
- For compressed nerve roots, most treatment is non-surgical and may involve rest or gentle exercise, as well as ice treatment to relieve pain.
- Some more severe cases may need surgery. This is sometimes the case with a herniated disc, to remove the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve in your back and causing the pain.
- If your podiatrist tells you that your foot pain is due to a severe hip or back condition, you should schedule an appointment with a specialist.