What hurts at the head may not be the source of the problem, which can range from flat feet to other health conditions. This current essay will discuss how poor foot health and pain can lead to headaches or migraines.
Patients are frequently surprised to learn that the discomfort in their brains can be caused by problems with their feet. The health of our feet is inextricably linked to the health of other sections of our body, such as our spine, hips, and backs.
Every stride we take throughout the day transfers our body weight to our feet. If a person begins to have problems with their feet, they are most likely taking incorrect steps, which will have a cascade impact on the rest of the body.
Migraine and Flat Feet: Is There a Connection?
Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, can injure tendons and push your feet out of position by stretching and straining them. Plantar fasciitis, posterior trivial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), ruptured tendons, and ankle problems can all be caused by this misalignment.
Plantar fasciitis is a disorder in which the plantar fascia, a ligament at the sole of the foot, becomes overly tight and tears away from the heel bone, or calcaneus. Swelling and soreness are common symptoms of the ailment, which appear in the morning or after sitting for a long time and then getting up. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that produces discomfort in the arch and heel of the foot. The pain might be relieved by wearing arch support shoes with a cushioned sole.
PTTD is a disorder in which the tendon inside the ankle swells, weakens, and becomes painful, particularly in the arch area. The tendon hurts the most at the end of the day after a long walk.
Flat feet come in various degrees, and not everyone with flat feet has pain. Flat feet have three primary characteristics: the first is that the arch of the foot is very low or nonexistent. In addition, the heel of the foot will roll inwards, while the top of the foot will roll outwards.
Some people have only one or two of the three characteristics, while others have all three. Flatfootedness is a disorder that runs in families and is visible from childhood.
Individuals with relaxed ligaments may be born with a foot that gradually rolls inwards. This allows for the development of a flat foot over time.
Flat-footed people are more inclined to take inward-rolling steps, which requires their muscles to work harder and longer to maintain the body steady. This causes a chain reaction that affects the calves, legs, belly, and lower back.
As a result, flat-footed people have bad posture and strained muscles, particularly in the lower back. This pain can gradually find its way up to the base of the neck, causing a headache or migraine.
One in every four severe headaches is caused by poor posture. Because our feet are the foundation of our bodies, having flat feet causes the entire body to go out of whack. When the brain is unable to integrate the signals it receives, it can cause severe posture-related headaches and migraines.
The brain might become tired and disoriented as a result of signals from overused muscles. When this happens, the brain sends out signals that cause blood vessels in the area to dilate and become inflamed, resulting in a throbbing pain sensation.
Those with even a minor degree of flat feet appear to be the most at risk of headaches, whatever the reason or condition. The reason for this is that they put their whole weight on the wrong part of their foot all of the time, putting strain on their tendons.
The arch of the foot is supported by this tendon, and if it becomes weakened, the arch flattens and the heel tilts inwards. As the tendon weakens, the person is more prone to have headaches, back discomfort, and knee pain.
Those born with flat feet, on the other hand, have a foot structure that does not change and does not present any additional problems.
The Link Between Migraine and Foot Pain
Doctors frequently focus on pain and where a patient feels it, rather than considering the entire body’s biomechanics, neglecting the feet as the source of pain.
Shoes protect our feet during the week, but we frequently spend more time out of them on the weekends to allow our feet to rest. Surprisingly, this is also when we begin to experience the most migraines or headaches. Our feet have no support when walking over surfaces without the artificial heel provided by shoes. Existing foot pain symptoms, as well as headaches, may worsen as a result of this.
What Are the Benefits of Orthotics for Foot Pain?
Thankfully, those suffering from foot discomfort have a few different alternatives to select from while seeking assistance. Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and orthotics can all help with these painful foot issues.
In most cases, less than 1% of patients will require surgical intervention. Orthotics provide more padding on the inside of the foot and prevent the feet from sliding inwards, improving the posture of the feet.
Custom orthotics are prescribed by your doctor. They will first produce a cast or impression of your feet to generate the perfect mould from which the orthotic will be made. Orthotics redistribute pressure on the soles of your feet, alleviating the discomfort you were suffering.
To achieve the best outcomes, orthotics are used in conjunction with other treatments. It’s important to remember that orthotics aren’t a panacea for all types of foot problems, but they can certainly assist.
If you’re having foot pain along with severe headaches or migraines, see your doctor or a podiatrist. They will prescribe bespoke orthotics to correct your foot alignment and relieve pressure on your joints and feet.
Just a Click Away from Foot Support Shoes!
We create and transport your custom orthotics to your home at IDEASTEP Orthotics, and we also sell the best shoes for wearing with custom orthotics. We’ll make your orthotics to your specific measurements, ensuring that they provide you with the support and stability you require. Why should you put up with migraines any longer? It’s only a click away to get high-quality orthotics!