The Foot Bone Connects to the… Head Bone?

Discover how custom orthotics may help relieve your headaches

Unless you are very fortunate, you get headaches. And if you’re like most people, you probably aren’t too thrilled about how often they hit you. Headaches can be caused by a variety of things, including lack of sleep, not enough food, and stress. But, believe it or not, your feet also could be playing a big role.

When we walk, our feet make a rotation involving an inward, forward, and downward movement. This is called pronation. Normal pronation allows the entire foot to be able to adapt to any ground surfaces that are uneven.

Some people have an abnormal foot rotation, which is called hyperpronation. During hyperpronation, the inner arch moves down towards the ground. In some extreme cases, the arch may actually touch the ground. And even if hyperpronation isn’t severe, it can still cause headaches.

On our back there is a large muscle called the trapezius, which extends up to the neck and onto the base of the skull. When someone has hyperpronation, the imbalance felt throughout the skeleton can be transmitted to the trapezius, leading to uneven tension. Pain and discomfort – including headaches – are often the result.

Custom orthotics to the rescue

A key way to reduce hyperpronation is by using custom orthotics. These are insoles you put in your shoes that are designed to reposition the parts of your feet in order for them to work better together. While cushioned inserts can be picked up in a pharmacy or grocery store, custom orthotics are much different. They are made just for you, using molds of your feet.

With custom orthotics, the muscles in your legs and feet will build up strength as you walk, which will help keep you balanced and create more of a natural foot rotation. Less tension is then put on the trapezius, which means you could get fewer headaches.

If you get frequent headaches, they may not be related to your job or other aspects of your life. It’s possible that your feet are to blame. To know for sure, contact the office of Dr. Nina Coletta. We’ll check out your feet to see what the problem may be. And if orthotics will help, we can fit you for your own custom pair. 

Stop popping pain relievers and do something that may help you cut down on those headaches once and for all. For more information or to make an appointment, call us today at 954.425.4590 or just fill out our contact form. 

Dr. Nina L. Coletta has been practicing Podiatry for over twenty years. Her practice remains on the cutting edge of advancements in Podiatric Medicine, providing state-of-the-art laser treatments, three-dimensional technology to construct custom orthotics and braces, and in-house arterial and venous studies of the lower extremity. From pediatrics to geriatrics, her staff provides superior care in a warm, welcoming environment.