Did you know that your back pain may be caused by poor posture of your limbs and feet? This is known as asymetrical posutre or malalignment syndrome. 

Poor foot posture can be the cause of many problems in the whole limb and back. The picture to the left here shows a foot (left) that is rolling in or 'pronating' excessively. This results in a lowering of the pelvis on the left side and a functional curve in the spine. This results in asymmetry in the body.              

Here we can see this example in more detail. A foot that pronates excessively results in internal rotation at the knees and limb and tilts the pelvis in a forward direction. This can happen at each step during gait in both feet, or in one foot alone. The result of this is possibly more strain on structures throughout your limb an back.

The Solution:

A detailed assessment of your posture and 'Kinetic Chain' is carried out which will provide you with a posture score. This includes taking  computerised measurements of   your spine, limbs and feet. A    traditional hands  on   assessment    is necessary in  order to  test muscle  strength  and tightness.

I  will  then  prescribe  foot  orthoses  to  your  prescription to correct  any dysfunction.  For faster results I also often recommend some physiotherapy or osteopathy and possibly some form of exercise activity (e.g. yoga or pilates).

Foot orthoses have been shown in research to  improve gait and posture and alleviate lower limb  and  back pain.

I have been using this treatment for a number of years and have found it extremely useful clinically and in providing relief of not only foot and ankle problems, but knee pain and back pain.

Please note that these diagrams and principles explained here have been simplified for the layperson.

Links on the subject of posture:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/fitness/injuries_riskintrinsic1.shtml

www.posturerite.co.uk