Archive for the ‘footwear and back pain’ Category

Causes of Pain in Back: Tips to Avoid Summer Back Pain

Monday, August 8th, 2011

causes-of-pain-in-back
When summertime hits our automatic reaction is to “get to it” and have fun! But for many, summertime activities can cause back pain. Causes of pain in back can include many different seasonal activities however, for those of us that live in a cold winter climate summertime is when our energy explodes and therefore is a time where we are more susceptible to back injury. Causes of pain in back can include simple activities such as; gardening, mowing the lawn, exercising etc. It is important for everyone to exercise caution in the summer months and to not overwork themselves. This caution will help you to avoid the simple causes of pain in back during the early summer months.

Tips to Avoid Summer Back Pin Include:

  • Gardening/Yard Work…

According to research, two of the most common causes of pain in back during summer are gardening and lawn work. Raking, pulling, twisting, and lifting heavy bags can all lead to back pain symptoms. The answer? Pace yourself. Your flower or vegetable garden doesn’t need to be planted in one day. Take breaks and, to avoid pain, try not to bend at the waist. Also, pay attention to good posture and stretch to avoid back pain. Read more about gardening as one of the most common causes of pain in back>>

  • Sandals, Heels and Wedges…

Footwear, including high heels, wedges and flip flops are also related to causes of pain in back. Since a flimsy pair of flat flip-flops can lead to back pain symptoms, choose a sandal that supports your arch and keeps your foot stable with support around your heel and the front of your foot. Steer clear of wedges and high heels as these types of shoes may also cause your back and feet discomfort.

  • Taking it Slow…

When the sun finally comes out to stay we tend to get a little too excited and push ourselves too far too fast. It is important to gently introduce exercise back into our daily routines once summer hits, and to not  put too much stress on our muscles by jumping in too quickly. Once you are ready to exercise start off slow, set small goals and short distances, increase them over several weeks time. Be sure to avoid these causes of pain in back by using the simple precautions above, and you will not be sorry!

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Causes of Pain in Back: Are Footwear and Back Pain Related?

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

footwear causes pain in backDid you know that 85% of foot surgeries can be attributed to bad shoes?

Causes of pain in back can include many different things. One such cause (which may not be the first to enter your mind) is footwear. The fact is, footwear can play a major role in back pain and is one of the causes of pain in the back which is not often discussed. It isn’t any wonder that these complaints are mostly coming from women, solely due to the high heels and platforms which they wear in the name of fashion. The fact is that good footwear is essential in the prevention of back pain and for the control of back pain as well. Read below for some tips on finding the right footwear for you and how to overcome one of the common causes of pain in the back.

Footwear Tips Include:

  • Buy Shoes In The Summer.

    • In summer most people tend to wear flip-flops and sandals. They will also walk around in bare feet inside the house and take off their shoes more often. As they do this their foot will widen and splay out more as the shock absorbing mechanisms are being used .

    So in simpler terms, the foot becomes larger in the summer than it is in the winter. Buying shoes in summer when you foot is in its ideal functioning zone means you have shoes that fit your feet properly and you won’t be trying to squeeze those puppies in once winter comes around!

  • Make Sure The Shoe Fits

    • Don’t buy into “the shoe will stretch” salesman talk. Shoes shouldn’t feel tight, they shouldn’t restrict your foot motion. Your foot still needs to splay out as you walk. So make sure the shoe is comfortable when you try it on. If not it is less likely to allow your foot to move well.

  • Avoid High Heels

    • Yes ladies this one is for you!

    Since high heels cause the feet to be pushed forward into an unnatural position, they can cause a number of problems including calluses, bunions, corns, and more serious issues such as nerve damage, stress fractures and incorrect alignment of the spine.Feet already receive the most pressure on the body as all of our weight is pushed down due to gravity. When feet are tilted at a sharp angle from heeled shoes, the pressure towards the front of the foot and the unnatural arch that such shoes create are a recipe for injuries.

    If you must wear high heels, only wear them on occasion. Make sure that they fit properly. Choose shoes with a low heel that leave adequate space for your toes. Give your feet a break by switching to more comfortable shoes for the majority of the day. When at your desk, slip off your shoes entirely. It’s not worth the fashion statement to ruin the alignment of your body for life by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

     

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