Don’t Let Yardwork Become a Pain in the Back
Each fall, people are in awe at the beauty of nature as the leaves change color and float from the trees, leaving a beautiful blanket of multi-colored nature on the land. Unfortunately for some, that beauty needs to be raked up! Depending on how many trees are around and the area that needs to be raked, those chores can end up being a pain in the back. As podiatrists, it’s our job to remind you that your back pain is often linked to your feet!
Here are three ways that back pain is connected with foot pain and what you can do to avoid it this fall:
The Sciatic Nerve
Your back is very large and very sensitive, which means it can create pain in some unexpected areas of your body. Our nerves are networked all around our body, sending signals to different places constantly. Lower back pain can often be traced back to the feet from one part of that nerve network: the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the base of your spine through your legs and down to your feet. It sends commands for basic motor functions like walking, sitting, and standing. If this nerve gets pinched or compressed, it will cause pain along the entire nerve from your back to your upper legs to your feet.
Pronation
Just as issues with nerves in your back can cause foot pain, issues in your feet can directly cause back pain. If you’re an athlete, you may already be familiar with the terms overpronation and underpronation. Pronation is the way the foot rolls inward during motion. Overpronation is when your feet turn inward too much, and underpronation is when your feet turn outward too much. Both of these issues can easily contribute to back pain.
Improper footwear
We discuss the importance of wearing the right shoes often in the context of foot health. Did you know it’s also important for your back? If your shoes have the right amount of arch support, it can keep your spine in proper alignment. Without that support and foundation, you’re looking at some serious back pain! Your podiatrist might also recommend custom orthotics to help ensure proper support or relieve any existing pain.
How can I avoid this back pain?
Whether you’re mowing, raking leaves, or cleaning out your gutters, take precautions as you complete your yardwork so you don’t experience pains and aches.
Stretch before you start - yard work can be just as strenuous as any other exercise, so it’s important to be warm and limber before you start.
Practice your posture - it’s easy to slump over a pile of leaves as your rake or stretch out a little too far to clean your gutter. As you check things off your list, make sure you’re mindful of how you’re holding your feet and body.
Take breaks - this is incredibly important so you don’t overexert your joints!
If you notice foot and/or back pain, check in with your podiatrist! At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, our team of expert foot doctors can assess, diagnose, and treat your foot and ankle pain. With years of experience and access to advanced therapies and technologies, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher deliver high-quality foot and ankle care so you can have healthy feet!
Schedule an appointment
Get in touch with our foot care team by contacting any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro today!