Since your feet are the furthest away from your head, it may seem unlikely for foot pain to cause headaches and migraines. Yet, these are often related. Your feet support your body as it sits at a desk, stands, walks, and runs. The pain they feel can radiate, affecting other body parts, including your head.
Let’s take a deeper dive into specific foot conditions that cause headaches and the treatment options available.
Can Foot Pain Cause Headaches?
Common foot conditions that can cause headaches and migraines are flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Flat Feet
Having flat feet is a condition where the feet have little to no arch. Most kids develop the arch by age 6, but about 2 in 10 children still have flat feet as adults. This can also 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.
Factors that can increase the risk of flat feet include:
- Achilles tendon injuries,
- diabetes,
- obesity,
- prolonged standing,
- rheumatoid arthritis, and
- wearing unsupportive footwear.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. This tissue supports the arch and absorbs shock as you walk.
Factors that can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis include:
- flat feet or high arches,
- jogging or running,
- obesity,
- prolonged standing, and
- wearing unsupportive footwear.
Can Poor Posture Cause Headaches?
Flat feet and plantar fasciitis can affect your posture and gait. Poor posture puts excess strain on the muscles at the back of your head, neck, and back. This can place pressure on nearby nerves and trigger headaches, as well.
How Can You Get Rid of Foot Pain and Headaches?
Thankfully, there are a number of treatments to relieving the pain in your feet and associated headaches. These include:
- anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve headaches, including those caused by muscle tension and inflammation
- compression socks to increase circulation, thereby reducing pain and swelling.
- custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts specially made to cushion and support your feet.
- regular foot stretching exercises to increase your range of motion, enhance foot stability, and reduce pain.
- shoes with good arch support, adequate cushioning, a firm and supportive sole, and a wide toe box to provide much-needed support.
Explore Treatment Options at The Foot & Ankle Center
When you experience continued discomfort in your feet or ankles, don’t think that it has to stay that way. The knowledgeable podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Center have decades of experience in correcting conditions and injuries via advanced non-surgical and surgical options.
Our treatments are safe, effective, and provide fast relief. To get started, call 314-487-9300 or request an appointment online!