Improper Footwear Can Cause Back Pain: MD Podiatrist

There are a variety of things that can lead to back pain: not stretching properly after a workout, going against nature’s design and sitting for 10 hours a day in front of a computer, or…it could be because of your shoes. “Improper footwear can affect the alignment of all the joints in your lower body,” says podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM. “Think of your feet like the foundation of your house. It must be stable to support [everything] above it or the house falls.” Meaning: If your feet aren’t stabilized, neither are your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. This makes your muscles work harder to keep yourself aligned and steady, which can lead to lower-back pain because those muscles are tightening and working abnormally.
 
“If pain is concentrated in your lower back or hips, it may be related to improper footwear,” Dr. Michaels says. Also, should you frequently wear high heels, they’re likely contributing to that pain because, as Dr. Michaels says, “High heeled shoes in all forms are terrible for your feet and back.”