Suffering from foot, ankle, leg, hip and/or lower back pain?
Foot, ankle, leg, hip, and lower back pain are commonly linked to unbalanced feet and legs, leading to various discomforts and mobility issues.
Foot pain
Foot pain frequently occurs in the heel, primarily due to plantar fasciitis. Pain may also affect the forefoot, described as metatarsalgia, and includes conditions like Morton’s neuroma, foot bunions, and hammer toes. Osteoarthritis caused by foot misalignment often affects the central foot joints.
Ankle pain
Ankle pain results from old injuries or functional foot problems. It may appear suddenly after sprains or gradually due to imbalance, limiting daily activities. Podiatrists offer treatments such as physical therapy, therapeutic wraps, or customized plantar orthoses to manage ankle pain effectively.
Leg pain
Leg pain during activities is not normal and should be evaluated through a podiatric gait and foot assessment. This helps establish a treatment plan with clear objectives. If needed, patients are referred to relevant specialists for neurological, vascular, or structural issues.
Knee pain
Knee pain often affects young girls and is usually worsened by sports, but treatment can reduce symptoms. Misalignment, such as knock knees in children, can be corrected early. Adults suffer knee pain mostly from joint misplacement, causing uneven wear and arthritis. While knee osteoarthritis isn’t treated directly, improving foot alignment can alleviate knee symptoms.
Hip pain
Hip osteoarthritis causes hip pain that podiatric treatments can ease or sometimes eliminate, potentially delaying surgery. Treatment plans are tailored to lifestyle and symptom severity. Postural imagery helps detect asymmetry for precise adjustments and symptom relief.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain can often be relieved with podiatric care, as foot imbalances like flat feet impact the lower back. Symptoms triggered by standing, walking, or running warrant assessment. Stabilizing lateral leg movement and controlling foot issues help reduce lower back pain significantly.