When Your Feet Hurt, Your Whole Body Feels It

How foot pain affects knees, hips, and back – and how to stop the cycle

Most people don’t think much about their feet—until they start to hurt. But here’s the thing: your feet are the foundation for your entire body. When something’s off down there, the effects can travel all the way up to your knees, hips, and even your lower back.

If you’ve ever noticed that your back feels sore after a long day on your feet—or that your knees ache more when your foot pain flares up—you’re not imagining it. It’s all connected.

Let’s break down why that happens, and more importantly, how you can start feeling better.

The Chain Reaction of Foot Pain

Your feet do a lot more than just get you from point A to B. They help keep your body balanced, aligned, and moving the right way. So when your foot alignment is off, your body has to adjust—and those adjustments often lead to more pain.

Here’s how the chain reaction usually works:

• Foot pain → Changes how you walk
  When your heel hurts or you have arch pain, you start walking differently to avoid putting pressure on the painful spot. It’s not always noticeable, but these small changes can throw your posture out of sync.

• Changed walking pattern → Knee and hip strain
  Your knees and hips start picking up the slack. But they weren’t designed to move in that weird, compensating way for very long. Over time, that leads to joint pain and tight muscles.

• Ongoing imbalance → Lower back pain
  Your back starts to feel the pressure too. Especially your lower back, which supports your upper body as you walk, stand, or shift your weight. If your feet aren’t providing proper support, your back ends up working harder than it should.

Common Signs It’s All Connected

Not sure if your foot pain is affecting the rest of your body? Look out for these signs:

• One-sided hip or back pain

• Knee pain that gets worse with walking

• Pain that moves or spreads over time

• Feeling “off balance” or like your shoes wear down unevenly

• Needing to sit or lie down often because standing hurts

If you’re nodding “yes” to a few of these, your feet might be the root of the problem.

So… How Do You Break the Cycle?

The good news? You don’t have to live in pain. There are proven ways to get your whole body feeling better—starting with your feet.

1. Get a Proper Foot Exam

The first step is understanding what’s really causing your foot pain. At American Surgeons Group, we look at your walking pattern, arch shape, pressure points, and more. This helps us see how your feet might be throwing everything else off.

2. Try Custom Orthotics

Not all shoe inserts are the same. Custom orthotics are made just for your feet, based on how you move. They support your arches, correct alignment, and reduce strain on your joints. Many patients feel relief in their knees and back once their feet are supported properly.

3. Stretch and Strengthen

Tight muscles can make things worse. Simple exercises for your feet, legs, and hips can help keep things moving smoothly. We’ll show you the best ones for your needs.

4. Don’t Ignore the Pain

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. The sooner you get it checked out, the easier it is to treat. Waiting can lead to bigger issues that take longer to fix.

Let’s Help You Walk Without Pain

Your feet carry you every day—and when they hurt, it can change everything. But you don’t have to keep pushing through discomfort or guessing what’s wrong.

At American Surgeons Group in Chicago, we specialize in finding the cause of your pain and helping you get back to feeling your best. Whether it’s custom orthotics, therapy, or advanced treatments, we’re here to support your journey—step by step.

Ready to stop the cycle of pain?
Let’s take a closer look at what your feet are trying to tell you.