What is Anterior Pelvic Tilt, and How Can It Affect Your Feet?
Anterior pelvic tilt is a common posture problem that affects most Americans, occurring when the front of the pelvis tilts downward and the back of the pelvis tilts upward. This seemingly subtle shift can have a ripple effect throughout the body that impacts alignment, muscle balance, and especially foot health. Today, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will outline these effects in detail, as well as provide the corresponding treatments.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Foot Problems
Anterior pelvic tilt can contribute to various foot and ankle problems:
Flat Feet: Over time, the excessive strain on the arch can weaken the supporting muscles and ligaments, which causes the development of flat feet or fallen arches. There is also data to suggest that flat feet can cause anterior pelvic tilt because, without the natural arch of the foot to support the legs, the feet recruit the lower back to compensate, thus causing the pelvis to misalign.
Plantar Fasciitis: The altered foot mechanics and increased tension on the bottom of the foot can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Metatarsalgia: Weak glute muscles and overactive hip flexors can contribute to improper foot mechanics and potential pain. Because of the unequal weight distribution, it can increase pressure on the balls of the feet and cause inflammation.
Altered Gait and Overpronation: When your pelvis tilts forward, it can cause your shins to rotate slightly inward, which puts pressure on the inside of your feet and encourages excessive pronation.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt Treatment
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating this condition. We focus on stretching tight muscles like the hip flexors and strengthening weak muscles, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and core, to improve posture and alignment.
Custom orthotics have been shown to provide support for the feet and help correct biomechanical imbalances that contribute to anterior pelvic tilt (this extends to footwear in general!).
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we help with an extensive variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are happy to help our Hartford County patients. To book an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.