Hip and Knee Pain Can Begin in the Feet

You’ve probably heard the classic children’s song before: the leg bone’s connected to the hip bone, the hip bone’s connected to the back bone—and on and on. It’s simple but insightful, reminding us that everything in our bodies is connected. When you have knee pain or hip pain, knowing everything is connected could be the key to eliminating your discomfort. Sometimes the source of the problem is somewhere you might not expect—your feet.

Foot Bone Connected to the Leg Bone

You can see quite clearly in the feet and legs how interconnected your body is. So many muscles and tendons start in the lower legs and run down into the feet. When something happens to your foot structures, it strains these tissues further up in the leg as well. This can lead to knee pain and hip pain later on. One of the most common culprits for joint pain in the legs is low or fallen arches.

Flat feet allow your midfoot to overpronate, or roll too far inward when you take a step. The extra motion there stresses your ankles and the tissues in your lower legs. They have to work much harder to support you. Over time, this altered alignment strains the knee joint and may cause discomfort. This, in turn, forces the hips and even the lower back to do more, so you stay upright and moving. You end up with uncomfortable joints further up your legs, while the real issue in your feet may go unnoticed.

Fixing the Feet, Relieving the Legs

It’s important to have your feet checked as well when you have your knee pain or hip pain investigated. Specialists like Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin will be able to tell you if your discomfort is connected to a lower limb problem. Our staff here at Dallas Podiatry Works will use diagnostic tests and images to see if your arch shape and height could be causing alignment issues that would hurt your knees or hips. If they are connected, we will help you determine the best treatments for you to eliminate your pain and allow your joints to recover.

Changing your shoes or adding orthotics can make a significant difference in your lower limb comfort. Make sure you wear footwear that will brace your arch and help you maintain proper foot alignment when you’re active. Avoid both high heels and super flat shoe models, since these allow your arch to collapse inward. You may need custom orthotics to help meet your exact support needs. Sometimes stretches and exercises can help, too. They loosen any over-tightened tissues, while building strength in the ones that support your arch.

Although having your feet checked when you have knee pain or hip pain may not be your first thought, you shouldn’t ignore the possibility that they are connected. Don’t just hope your joint discomfort will get better on its own. If you live in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, or Allen area, let Dallas Podiatry Works help you find relief. Call either of our two office locations or use our website contact form to reach us: 972.853.7100 for the Dallas office; (972) 943-3323 for the Plano location.