Do you experience jaw pain or headaches that may be related to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)? If so, you may think that this relates to tension in the face or neck, or to your dental health, but it may actually be related to your feet!
The alignment of the feet can affect the entire body, and poor alignment can cause pain in the hips, knees and back, but many people do not realise that it can also affect the positioning of the jaw. There is a kinetic chain of movement in the body, and this is connected with posture, spinal alignment and muscle tension, as well as jaw positioning.
Understanding the way the feet are connected with the rest of the body can help us to address chronic pain and ongoing discomfort in the jaw. Here, we’ll look at the biomechanics and find out what can help.
What is Kinetic Chain Theory?
We use the ‘kinetic chain’ theory to discuss the way in which the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons work together when the body moves. It explains the way in which movement in one part of the body produces forces, which are then transmitted to other areas of the body. The different parts of the body are not isolated but work together to optimise our movements and coordination.
Ligaments and muscles connect the joints throughout the body, so a small movement in the feet can cause changes in other parts of the body, including the jaw. For instance, if your feet tend to roll inwards when you walk, which is known as overpronation, your legs will inevitably rotate inwards. This inward rotation, in turn, causes the hips to roll forward, and this changes the alignment in the spine. This is usually more pronounced on one side than the other, and the body’s symmetry is compromised. As the impact moves up the body, the head tends to move forward, which can cause the jaw to slide back and create an overbite.
Flat Feet and Misalignment
While overpronation puts pressure on the body when the feet roll inwards, flat feet can also lead to misalignment. Flat feet may be present from birth, or the arches may collapse later in life, and while the latter is more likely to cause alignment issues, they are common in both cases. When there is no support from the arches of the feet, this can alter the positioning of the knees and the hips, and this can change the angle of the pelvis and cause stress in the spine.
As different areas of the body come under pressure, other muscles and joints attempt to compensate for this, and the posture may be affected. We see many people who have adopted a forward-leaning posture, in which the head is not properly aligned with the spine, and this can lead to a great deal of strain on the muscles of the neck and jaw. If these muscles become tight, the TMJ comes under significant stress and jaw pain may become chronic.
Pain in the Jaw
If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be a good idea to check out the connection with foot alignment, especially if you have pain in other areas of the body:
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Problems with chewing or restricted movement in the jaw
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Headaches
- Pain in the face
These symptoms may be caused by stress in other parts of the body, especially the feet, and resolving this can relieve pain and improve mobility.
Custom-made Orthotics to Improve Alignment
Custom-made orthotics are an excellent solution for several foot complaints, and can help to improve alignment throughout the feet and the whole body. Custom-made orthotics are designed to fit the unique contours of your feet, and this helps to stabilise the misalignment and reduce the upward tension that can lead to TMJ pain.
Many customers who try custom-made orthotics are surprised by the difference this makes in their lives. They are crafted to help restore normal foot function, so they are very helpful if you have flat feet or tend to over- or underpronate. Custom-made orthotics use a combination of rigid materials to help restore normal foot function and softer, more flexible materials to provide additional comfort. You can talk to one of our Foot Wellness Experts about custom-made orthotics and find out more about how these could work for you.
Footwear to Support Your Body
Changing your footwear can make a big difference to the way your body moves and the way you feel in your daily life. Shoes that fit your feet well and offer a good amount of cushioning and support can transform the way your whole body feels, and our expert team can help you to find the best options.
When you look for shoes to improve alignment, you should:
- Ensure that you match your shoes with the activity you are doing. If you are running, for instance, you should wear shoes that are designed to absorb shock and protect the feet from impact. Shoes with no support, such as flip flops, can be very damaging to the body since they do not offer any protection for the structure of the feet, so do not be tempted to wear these for anything more than walking around a swimming pool or beach.
- See a professional fitter. It is important to ensure that the shoes you wear offer the support your feet need, so it is important to have your shoes fitted correctly. Our fitters at Foot Solutions can help you to find shoes that suit the unique shape of your feet and offer the right amount of cushioning for you.
- Look for comfort. Your feet should be comfortable if they are aligned correctly, and it is important to consider this when you are trying on shoes. You should look for a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread, and ensure that the feet are not squashed or restricted by your shoes.
- Pay attention to your gait. The way your feet move when you walk or run is known as your gait, and this can make a big difference to the way your body feels. Overpronation, as mentioned above, or supination, where the feet roll outwards, can alter the alignment of the feet and the body, and finding shoes that are well-suited to your gait will help to balance these and prevent or relieve pain.
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw or in your back, hips, knees or feet, we can help you to find out whether the alignment of your feet is to blame. With services including gait analysis and custom-made orthotics, we can help you to find the comfort and support you need, and you will feel the difference straight away.
Take Care of Your Feet at Foot Solutions
You can pop in and visit our friendly team in your local Foot Solutions store or book an appointment here for a free foot assessment to find out more.
