Knee, Hip and Back Conditions
The knee bones connected to the thigh bone….
As the old song goes, the body is one large, interconnected unit and people are often surprised that podiatrists are so helpful and understanding of anatomy and conditions above the foot and ankle.
In reality many chronic conditions of the middle and upper leg, and even the lower back, are affected by the way we move and the foot functions.
In many chronic cases there is a direct link between long standing pain and the way we walk and move.
At Hurst Podiatry we are able to assess how these things come together to affect all of our lower limbs, not just zoom in one specific area. We’re trained to look broadly and work out how one body part is impacting another and come with a plan to address the whole lot.
Causes of Hip and Knee Pain
There can be many reasons for why your knee, hip or back pain may be connected to your feet.
Some of these include flat feet, feet rolling inwards, feet rolling outwards, differences in leg length, and issues with the alignment or function of your feet.
Common Knee and Hip Conditions
Some of the hip and knee conditions we treat regularly are:
- Genu varum/valgum (bowed legs/knock knees)
- Limb length discrepancies
- Hip weakness
- Hip bursitis
- Patella-femoral joint pain (pain at the kneecap)
- Medial knee pain
These are just some of the conditions that can affect your knees and/or hips.
How We Can Help You at Hurst Podiatry
Here at Hurst Podiatry, we’re experienced in the assessment, diagnosing and treatment of many conditions that can affect the body, including the hips and knees.
When we treat any condition affecting your hips and/or knees, our aim is to find the reason behind the problem. That way we not only treat the current problem efficiently, but we can also help to avoid future injuries, pain, or discomfort from occurring too.
If the cause behind your discomfort is not related to your feet, we can help you find the most effective health professional to treat your condition. We have a fantastic network of health providers that we work alongside.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your hips, knees and/or lower back area in Melbourne’s Northeast, book in to see us here at Hurst Podiatry. Call 03 5901 2216 or book online here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Knee, Hip & Back Conditions
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Can my walking be making my knees sore?
Yes, the way that you walk impacts the position of the knees and can cause knee pain. If the feet roll excessively in or out and take the knee out of alignment this can be the source of knee pain. This can be assessed and treated to great effect with orthotics and footwear in many cases.
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Can my feet affect my back and hips?
Yes, the feet and the way they walk won’t always be the cause of back and hip pain but certain movements particularly large overpronation (rolling in) can rotate the lower limb into a position that can contribute to hip and back pain. This is always worth checking if you’re putting up with chronic hip or back pain.
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Can podiatrists help with knee pain?
Podiatrists don’t just work with feet. Podiatrists can help assess the alignment of all joints in the lower limb and help you address them with orthotics and footwear to make sure that you’re positioned as best you can. We also have a great network of other health professionals that we can draw on to help with if we think that we’re not the best person for the job
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I have one leg longer than the other what can be done?
Most of us aren’t as symmetrical as we think we are. It is quite common to have one leg longer than the other. If this difference becomes large enough though it can start to affect how we walk and move. In this case we will measure you up to work how big the difference is and discuss whether it is worth trying to correct this. Correction can be made using heel raises, orthotics and footwear modifications. All of these can have a very positive effect when used correctly.
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Do I need a referral to come to Hurst Podiatry?
No, a referral is not required to book in to see us here at Hurst Podiatry.
We’re available to patients of all ages, whether you’ve experienced an injury, you need help taking care of your feet, or you’re experiencing discomfort in your lower limbs, because everyone is welcome here at Hurst Podiatry.
We have 3 clinic locations in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, including in Healesville and Kilsyth.
Book today by calling us on (03) 5901 2216 or booking online here.