You probably recall the childhood song – “the foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone…” While this may have been a broad simplification, there is great truth in this elementary school tune. The human body is like an integrated chain reaction. This means that when one body part is working optimally – others will often follow. When one joint or muscle moves, it creates a chain of reactions in the associated muscles and joints. Poor mobility, improper posture or inactivity due to injury or surgery can cause significant pain in the affected joint or muscle but it can also create discomfort in other distant body parts.
On average, we take 10 000 steps each day. As such, the ankles and feet are commonly injured joints. Unfortunately, they are also the foundation or base of the “chain” and when injured can create significant problems in above joints and tissues. Physiotherapists know firsthand how an ankle or foot injury can have adverse effects on every joint above it. When an injury exists, surrounding muscles and joints become over-worked as they begin doing work that they were not designed to do, in order to compensate for the injured muscle or joint. The result is pain, loss in flexibility and poor mechanics of the ankle and foot, leading to subsequent pains in your knees, hips and low back.
Flat feet and high arches can cause ankle, knee or hip pain
Did you know that individuals with flat feet and very high arches have greater odds of developing ankle, knee and hip pain? It is very important to look at the whole body rather just being local in the approach of pain. When our Clinicians examine the biomechanics of the feet, they are actually looking at the body holistically to see if there is any compensation when you walk.
This is not specific to those who have had injury, sometimes there can be a chain of reactions due to a chronic condition in the feet. Take for example someone who has high arches. These individuals are more prone to have weaker ligaments on the outside of the ankle that need physiotherapeutic intervention. An orthotic and ankle brace can address the improper mechanics of the foot and ankle but unless the ankle is also strengthened, stability will continue to be a concern.
The solution for ankle, knee, or hip pain? BioPed.
At BioPed, we are the leader in the prevention and treatment of foot-related conditions. To schedule an assessment with one of our Clinicians, click HERE
