How wearing the correct footwear can impact your spine health and reduce back pain. 

Shoes are a crucial part of our daily attire, but their significance goes far beyond just being a fashionable accessory. Many people are unaware of the impact that their footwear choices can have on their overall health, particularly their back and hips.

Footwear can have a much larger impact on back health than most people realise.

Have you ever wondered if your shoes are creating a problem for your backs or hips? Your shoes support your entire body as the only contact between you and the ground. What you wear on your feet has a huge influence on your posture and some of the worst shoes for your feet are also likely to cause problems for your spine and pelvis.

ARE YOUR SHOES AFFECTING YOU?

Footwear can have a much larger impact on back health than most people realise.

This is particularly true for people who must stand for long periods of time on a regular basis because of the work they do. But even a short amount of time in the wrong shoes can cause stress to your vertebrae and the soft tissues that support them. Back pain that begins mysteriously can sometimes be traced back to the purchase of new shoes, as the body makes a significant number of significant movements to try to stabilise itself, with the result being fatigue of the back muscles and discomfort. 

HIGH HEELS, FLATS, AND FLIP FLOPS

Whether you prefer high heels, flats, or flip flops, the type of shoes you wear can significantly affect your posture and spinal alignment.

High heels, for example, can cause your weight to be unevenly distributed, putting strain on your lower back and hips. On the other hand, flat shoes like flip flops offer little to no arch support, leading to issues with stability and alignment.

It’s important to ensure that your shoes fit correctly and provide adequate support for your feet, as this can have a significant impact on your overall back health.

High heels are the obvious culprit when it comes to poor shoe choice for the feet and back. The perfect, pointy pair of 4 inch heels can make any outfit, but with this style comes much suffering. Heels pose a risk of falls, ankle sprains, degeneration of the joints in the feet and problems with abnormal posture. Switching to flatter or lower heeled shoes (less than 2 inches high) is the best option. 

Flats and flip-flops however, can be as bad as high heels for back problems and unsupportive ballet pumps that provide no structure or cushioning for the foot are a popular, yet poor choice.

Your gait can become dysfunctional with these kinds of shoes also leading to problems in the knees, hips and the spine, as well as joint and soft tissue issues in the feet. Where possible, opt for sneakers or shoes that offer a good support for your arches and which absorb shocks to take some pressure off your spine. 

CHOOSING CORRECT FOOTWEAR

Another less obvious problem is wearing worn out shoes or shoes that don't fit properly.

Shoes are supposed to provide support to your feet and worn out shoes will not only fail to do this, but continuing to wear them may actually create problems. It is also important to keep an eye on the soles of your shoes to ensure they are not wearing unevenly, as this could indicate an underlying problem with your feet or spine. Make sure you never wear shoes that are too big or too small, as this will have a significant impact on both your gait and posture, causing you to have to alter the way you walk and stand. 

When it comes to choosing the right footwear, chiropractors may suggest looking for shoes that have a stretchy upper part to accommodate the natural shape of the feet and lower legs. They may also recommend running shoes or sports injury prevention shoes for individuals who engage in physical activities.

Chiropractors emphasise the importance of proper shoes that promote blood flow and distribute the body weight part of your foot or lower back.

By providing comfort, stability and proper posture, your shoes are the foundation for the rest of your body. While it's okay to wear less than ideal footwear on the odd occasion, make sure it doesn't become a habit and create a problem. Prevention is key! 

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP

Chiropractic care can play an essential role in addressing issues related to the feet and ankles.

One common problem that chiropractors can help with is foot pain, which can be caused by various factors such as improper footwear, poor foot type, or misalignment in the gait and posture.

Chiropractors can assess the individual's foot type and recommend the proper footwear or orthotic that can provide proper support and alleviate discomfort.

They can also advise on the importance of proper shoe choice to prevent further issues like lower back pain that may result from wearing ill-fitting shoes or wearing high heels.

Chiropractic adjustments may include realigning the spine or joints in the lower body to improve posture, which can help with issues like plantar fasciitis or chronic foot pain.

These adjustments can also alleviate the pressure caused by wearing heels or improper footwear. By addressing the underlying misalignments, chiropractors can assist individuals in choosing the right footwear and casual shoes that provide proper support and prevent further foot and ankle issues.

VISIT US

Take a step in the right direction and choose the right shoes

The significance of shoes goes far beyond just aesthetics. Your footwear choices can have a major impact on your back and hip health, affecting your posture, alignment, and overall well-being. It’s essential to choose shoes that provide the right support and fit for your feet, and to consider the long-term effects of your footwear choices on your spinal health. So next time you slip on a pair of shoes, remember that they are more than just a fashion statement – they are a key player in maintaining a healthy back and hips.

As your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas, we’re here to help from head to toe. If you’re looking for help, consider booking an appointment with us. Give us a call on 07 3381 0440 or book online here: www.centernarychiro.com.au