Study of association of back pain with foot disorders like calcaneal spur, foot span, foot pain, and foot posture

• Author Details:   
• Ajay Chandanwale
• Dinesh Ramesh Kabre
• Vishal Anand Mangwalkar
• Mohit Arun Kakad ^*
• Sharath N.K

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Background: Back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, significantly impacting individuals' quality of life and work productivity. Despite extensive research on its risk factors, the role of foot disorders—such as calcaneal spur, foot span abnormalities, foot pain, and foot posture deviations—in contributing to back pain remains underexplored. Given that the foot serves as the foundation for posture and locomotion, any structural or functional abnormalities may lead to compensatory changes in spinal biomechanics, potentially exacerbating back pain.

Aims & Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between low back pain (LBP) and foot disorders, including calcaneal spur, foot span variations, foot pain, and abnormal foot posture.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at BJ Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, over two years. A total of 100 patients with both LBP and foot disorders were included. Clinical, radiological, and biomechanical assessments were performed, including foot measurements, spinal alignment evaluations, MRI analysis, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring. Statistical analyses were conducted using paired/unpaired t-tests and Chi-square tests, with p < 0>

Results: The study found a significant association between LBP and BMI (p = 0.004), with normal-weight individuals reporting higher LBP scores. MRI findings revealed that 39% of patients exhibited L4-5-S1 disc degeneration. High pelvic incidence (>60°) was significantly correlated with severe LBP (p = 0.005). Foot abnormalities, including pes planus and increased foot span, were common in LBP patients. Foot pain severity correlated with LBP but was not significantly associated with BMI or serum uric acid levels.

Conclusion: Foot disorders play a crucial role in the development and severity of LBP. The findings emphasize the need for integrating foot assessments into LBP management for effective treatment strategies.

Keywords: Back pain, Foot disorders, Calcaneal spur, Foot span, Foot posture, Lumbar spine, Biomechanics, Pelvic incidence.