The foot is an intricate system comprising of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These work together to bear weight, flex and extend the foot, and propel the body forward. When issues such as overpronation, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis disrupt this balance, they can lead to misalignment and stress in other areas, including the hips.
In this article, we will explore how these common foot problems can contribute to hip pain, review effective treatments, and emphasize the importance of consulting with a podiatrist for comprehensive care.
The Connection Between Foot Conditions and Hip Pain
These foot conditions can lead to hip pain by affecting the way you walk.
Overpronation
Overpronation refers to excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running. While a slight inward roll is normal, overpronation occurs when the ankle rotates too far, making the big toe and second toe do all of the push-off.
This can rotate the hips inward as well, adding stress to the hip joint.
Flat Feet
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a common condition in which the arches in the feet are very low or nearly absent. This can occur when the arches don’t develop during childhood or occur later in life. When people with flat feet stand up, the entire soles of their feet touch the floor, and with each step, their feet roll inward as they walk.
This lack of arch support disrupts the body’s natural alignment, often causing the legs and hips to adjust in ways that can lead to discomfort or pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes, supports the arch and absorbs shock when walking. An inflamed plantar fascia is known as plantar fasciitis, a foot problem that commonly causes pain on the bottom of the foot near or on the heel.
Adjusting your gait to accommodate or reduce discomfort can also lead to hip pain.
Foot Treatments to Alleviate Hip Pain
To address foot-related issues connected to hip pain, consider the following treatments.
- Proper Footwear: Shoes with good arch support, adequate cushioning, a firm and supportive sole, and a wide toe box can provide the support needed to maintain proper foot alignment.
- Custom Orthotics: Unlike store-bought insoles that have a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting your feet, custom orthotics are tailored to account for any abnormalities or structural issues that may be present. This way, your inserts meet your exact needs.
- Ankle Braces: Wearing ankle braces provides essential support to the ankle joints, helping to stabilize them and prevent excessive movement that can worsen overpronation. By limiting unwanted motion, ankle braces can reduce strain on the foot and lower leg muscles, promoting better alignment.
- Foot Stretching Exercises: Regular foot stretching exercises can help improve the flexibility and strength of the feet and ankles. They are designed to increase the range of motion, enhance foot stability, and reduce pain.
Experience High-Quality Foot and Ankle Care
Since 1989, The Foot & Ankle Center has been proud to deliver patients the highest quality of care in a comfortable and convenient setting. Our friendly and attentive doctors are knowledgeable and dedicated to giving you the best care possible. Here, you can expect to be treated with the individualized treatment you deserve.
You don’t have to wait to find relief. Call us at (314) 487-9300 or contact us online today to request an appointment!