Feet are frequently neglected when people think of health — until pain arrives. But your feet are the foundation of your body; they take you through every walk, run, and stand. We frequently see at Sandalwood Physio how poor foot health can affect not only the feet and legs but also the rest of the body. From posture issues to chronic pain, your feet are the focal point of your overall health.
Your Feet: The Body’s Foundation
The foot is composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Combined, they offer equilibrium, cushioning, and mobility. It can throw off how forces move throughout the body when there’s an issue in your feet, such as poor alignment, weakness, or injury.
Much like a house with weak foundations, your musculoskeletal system can start to crumble while the rest of your body tries to catch up, leading to pain and dysfunction downstream or upstream.
How Foot Problems Travel Up the Body
1. Foot Health and Posture
Your feet affect how you stand and walk. Flat feet, high arches, and uneven weight distribution are some of the factors that can ruin posture. Over time, this may lead to:
- Poor spinal alignment
- Rounded shoulders
- Over-exertion of muscles and joints
Minor alterations at the base of things can have profound postural implications higher up.
2. Ankle and Knee Pain
Your feet are often responsible for how your ankles and knees move. The following are common foot problems that can be factors:
- Knee pain or instability
- Increased wear on knee joints
- Tendon or ligament strain
Overpronation (feet rolling into the arches) can cause the knees to cave inwards, placing additional stress on knee structures.
3. Hip and Lower Back Pain
When the feet fail to adequately absorb shock, the hips and lower back frequently pick up the slack. This can result in:
- Hip stiffness or pain
- Sciatica-like symptoms
- Chronic lower back discomfort
Most people are surprised to learn that their back pain stems from their feet.
4. Impact on Balance and Stability
As we get older, healthy feet are crucial for good balance. The following conditions may occur more frequently with foot pain, weakness, or nerve problems:
- Falls
- Ankle sprains
- Reduced confidence with movement
This can be especially significant for older adults and people with health problems like diabetes.
Foot Health and Chronic Conditions
Diabetes and Circulation: Foot care is essential for those with diabetes. Diminished blood flow and limited nerve feeling can result in:
- Slow-healing wounds
- Increased risk of infection
- Ulcers and serious complications
Routine foot checks and intervention can prevent ongoing problems.
Arthritis and Joint Stress: Incorrect foot mechanics can add extra stress to joints throughout your body, exacerbating arthritis in your ankles, knees, hips, and spine.
The Role of Footwear: Footwear is an essential aspect of foot and body health. Unsupportive footwear may contribute to:
- Pain in the heel (like Plantar Fasciitis)
- Poor alignment
- Increased fatigue
At Sandalwood Physio, we’ll often look at footwear in combination with these movements to ensure your feet are supported during all your activities of daily living.
Supporting Your Whole Body Starts at Your Feet
Your feet are more than just the things that propel you from one place to another — they play a significant role in how your entire body moves and feels. Maintaining them can be key to preventing pain, promoting good posture, and improving quality of life.
We believe at Sandalwood Physio that movement takes root from the ground up. If you are suffering from foot pain or any other mysterious pain in your body, see us.
Make an appointment today and start your journey toward greater overall health for your entire body.