There are many causes of lower back pain but one that might be less obvious is poor foot structure or alignment. 

Causes of Lower Back Pain

If the tendons, ligaments, muscles, or bones are mis-alinged in your foot or ankle it can cause pain or discomfort in your feet, knees, and lower back. Correcting this goes beyond arch support or inserts, and may require custom orthopedic shoes. That being said, getting proper fitting orthopedic shoes is essential to addressing the problem. To ensure the best-fitting orthopedic shoes, schedule an appointment with a Scottsdale Podiatrist. 

Identify Lower Back Pain

Identifying the cause of lower back pain can be difficult and may be the result of trial and error. On the other hand, if the alignment of the body begins with the feet, that’s probably the best place to start. The feet are the base of the body and can have a domino effect in regards to alignment or mis-alignment. For example, if your feet and ankles tend to roll inward (pronation), this will cause direct misalignment with the knees, pelvis, and eventually the lower back. 

Why Custom Orthotics 

Correcting lower back pain with orthotics goes beyond shoe inserts or prefabricated orthopedic shoes. Arch inserts for example, may not be enough support or the proper correction to realign and stabilize the foot and ankle. The right orthopedic shoes should be sized for specific feet and shaped to address the unique mechanical foot issues and daily activities of the person. When shopping around for the best custom orthopedic shoes, experts suggest having a cast made of your foot, discussing with your doctor your daily needs and activities, and making sure you get high-quality laboratory grade materials. 

How Orthotics Reduce Back Pain

With custom orthopedic shoes, the feet will reengage back to their natural positioning allowing the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back to relax and eventually heal. Orthopedic shoes are the best non-surgical option and can improve your overall quality of life by reducing chronic or persistent pain with virtually no side effects. Clinical studies also show and support that custom orthopedic shoes have the biggest and longest impact on reducing lower back pain versus prefabricated ones. 

The team at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona can help you find relief from lower back pain and get you in the best custom orthopedic shoes. With over 20 years of experience, not only do we provide accurate casting but we use laboratory-grade materials and offer free follow-ups to ensure your shoes are still fitting perfectly and that you’re getting the relief you need.