Text Box: Foot and Back Relationship Text Box: The alignment or mechanics of the feet and lower limbs can greatly impact the back. Improper position or movements will add stress that will affect the relationship of each articulation (joint) from the foot on up to the spine. These are some of the alignment problems that can cause or aggravate back pain: Pes planus (flat feet) Pes cavus (high arches) Forefoot varus or valgus (improper forefoot alignment) Rearfoot varus or valgus (improper heel alignment) Genu valgum (knock knee) Genu varum (bow legs) Leg length discrepancy (both legs are not the same length) Muscle imbalance The most common example is pes planus. In this case, whether it is acquired or traumatic, the arch of the foot elongates (flattens) when standing or walking. Consequently, the foot is forced inward, the knee is deviated inward, the hip is forced to externally rotate, the pelvis tilts and the spine is deviated to one side. These repetitive stresses will take their toll on a back over time. Mechanical back pain can be treated more successfully with orthotic therapy than compressive back pain. That being said, most people have some sort of malalignment in their feet or lower legs. Therefore it is possible to reduce compressive back pain by addressing the alignment problems. Text Box: Orthotic management Text Box: Back pain can be effectively managed with foot orthotic devices. The most important aspect of orthotic management is a detailed assessment of the condition. This includes: patient history information relating to onset helpful and aggravating conditions previous treatments range of motion and biomechanical assessment pressure mapping of the foot This information determines the exact manufacturing specifications. Through the right combination of support and cushioning, stress to the affected area can be significantly reduced. This in its turn reduces pain and enables return to normal routines with less pain. Given proper orthotic management, noticeable improvement should take place within 6 weeks. If treatment has been significantly delayed this may take longer.

VER 11/03/06