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Neck and Back Pain Caused by Pronated Feet

Back and neck pain can have a wide variety of causes. Sometimes, the origin of the pain isn't the back and neck at all, but the feet.

  1. Overpronation

    • Pronation is a term used to describe how the foot naturally rolls inward as a person walks or runs. With a normal foot, the heel strikes the ground, and the foot rolls inward through the progression of the step. Pronation is important because it absorbs shock. Some people, however, roll their feet too far inward, in a movement called overpronation. Overpronation often occurs in people with low arches or flat feet, and it can cause pain in multiple areas of the body.

    Injuries

    • Overpronation can cause a variety of injuries, especially in runners. The excessive turning of the foot can cause shin splints, plantar fasciitis, bunions or Achilles tendonitis. Overpronation can also cause back and neck pain because the foot rolls too far inward, causing an ineffective gait that puts stress on the knees, hips, neck and back.

    Shoes

    • The right shoes can help ease your neck and back pain.

      The solution to back and neck pain caused by overpronation could be as simple as buying the correct shoes. A specialty running-shoe store should be able to analyze your gait and help you choose shoes to counteract your overpronation. The best shoes for overpronaters are stability or motion-control shoes. These shoes will help correct your gait, which should reduce your pain.

    Orthotics

    • Another option may be custom orthotics. Orthotics are inserts that you put in your shoes to add support specific to your foot type. For an overpronator, the orthotic will help prevent the excessive turning of the foot, which will then correct your gait and reduce your back/neck pain. A podiatrist or sports-medicine specialist will be able to diagnose your foot problem and prescribe an appropriate orthotic.

    Specialists

    • A physician can help diagnose and treat your pain.

      A physician specializing in podiatry, orthopedics or sports medicine will help you to determine if your overpronation is the cause of your back pain. If it is, he may prescribe orthotics and suggest more appropriate footwear. A specialty running store will help you find appropriate running shoes. If your back and neck are out of alignment as a result of the alterations in your gait, a chiropractor may be able to help ease your pain as you solve the root problem of your feet.

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