When diagnosing foot or lower limb pain, many individuals tend to only focus on the area of pain. Hence, the effects of body alignment on injuries are often neglected. Malalignment Syndrome is a common condition affecting how your feet work, causing pain and discomfort. This article will explain everything about this condition, its causes and symptoms, and how to manage it.
What is Malalignment Syndrome?
Malalignment Syndrome is a condition that affects the alignment of your body, causing them to function incorrectly. Poor body alignment can lead to various issues, including pain, discomfort, and even injuries. Malalignment Syndrome can occur due to several factors, including genetics, history of injuries, and overuse. Our feet can also significantly affect our overall posture, especially if one has flat feet or leg length discrepancy.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of Malalignment Syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back
- Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
- Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
- Muscular tightness and trigger points
- Uneven wear on shoes
Causes of Malalignment Syndrome:
Changes in our structural alignment can occur due to the following:
- Genetics: Genetic conditions such as scoliosis or flat feet can create poor posture
- Injury: Injuries to the foot, ankle, knee, or hip can potentially cause our alignment to change
- Overuse: Overuse of the feet, especially when one has poor standing or sitting posture
- Poor footwear: Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or provide adequate support can create changes in lower limb alignment
- Leg length discrepancy: Uneven leg length can cause our overall alignment to be unlevel
Management for Malalignment Syndrome:
At Straits Podiatry, we offer a variety of management options, including:
- Custom orthotics: Custom orthotics are shoe inserts specifically designed to correct the alignment of your feet.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area.
- Trigger point release: Releasing trigger points can relieve the muscular tightness and improve the flexibility of the muscles
Conclusion
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, ankles, or knees, it is essential to seek medical attention. At Straits Podiatry, we specialize in managing Malalignment Syndrome and other foot conditions. Our team of experienced podiatrists can help diagnose and manage your disease, allowing you to return to your daily activities without pain or discomfort. Contact us today and schedule an appointment!
Jackie Tey
Chief Podiatrist, B.Pod(Hons). Your foot and lower limb specialist passionate about raising awareness for foot and lower limb health.
