While standing on concrete and my stone driveway for about thirty-five minutes or so and after grilling dinner for my family, I can barely walk or stand on my left leg because of intense pain in my hip. There is severe pain in my knee as well. None of this is very odd to me except that I have had somewhat of a period of respite from five-plus years of chronic pain. Chronic pain that has been, at some point, debilitating in the following areas:
- Left shoulder
- Right shoulder
- Left hip
- Lower left back sciatica
- Lower right back sciatica
- Torn meniscus on left knee
- Torn meniscus on right knee
- Old neck injury
With all of this going on, I desperately need access to low-cost prescriptions, specifically the gabapentin that helps with the added nerve pain that comes from my sciatica.
The reason why standing on concrete hurts my back, knees, and hip is because, unlike other surfaces, concrete has no give, and the inflexibility affects the body. Especially if you are someone like me who feels like I have no shock absorbers left when I am standing on hard surfaces.
For example, when standing on hard surfaces, I am notably susceptible to backaches, knee pain, swollen legs, and sore feet. Because this specific pain has not been treated yet, I experience a flare-up of old injuries and suffer from chronic pain.
I thought I had lessened my pain by taking it easy (as best as I could!), taking the medication, and not doing the activities I used to do in an effort not to reinjure myself again and again. In fact, next month, I will spend quite a bit of money to remodel my bathroom so that I have a bathtub big enough to soak in.
Some of my best pain relief techniques involve soaking in an Epsom salt bath for at least forty-five minutes, once a day. It makes a huge difference for me. Throughout all the years I have been in sports recovery, I have implored the following:
- Chiropractors
- Orthopedics
- Physical therapists
- Acupuncturists
- Massage therapists
- Cortisone shots
- Taking it easy
- Sports rubs
- Epsom salt baths
As you can see, I have tried just about everything short of getting surgery, and unfortunately, it looks like I will end up needing knee surgery after all. But now I am wondering where this recent pain is coming from. Is it coming from my hip, or is it something in my feet? Let’s find out more below.
Link between feet and back pain
Because all the treatments and efforts to relieve my chronic pain have not completely irradicated it, I am now wondering if the pain is coming from my feet. Well, I can tell you that every source I have researched said yes, the bunion on my foot can most definitely cause hip, back, and knee pain. From podiatrists at Kew Foot Clinic state that, “They (bunions) are however more than just a cosmetic problem. They can become a major medical problem for several reasons. The main problem is:
Having a distorted big toe joint along with this joint becoming rigid in its range of motion changes how a foot pivots through propulsion. When a foot can no longer pivot at this joint it reduces knee and hip flexion causing stress on these joints.
A bunion deformity can also change the alignment of the knee and hip causing excessive internal or external knee rotation leading to scoliosis of the spine,”.
It all makes sense to me because I have addressed all of the pain or injured areas of my body except my feet. The complexity of the body’s interconnectedness can create challenges in pinpointing the root causes of chronic pain. My medical team told me that if I notice that my feet might be the culprit, it would be wise to consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation. Custom orthotics might also be beneficial, as they can provide the support needed to correct your gait and distribute weight more evenly, potentially alleviating some of the strain on my knees, hips, and back.
Best shoes for walking on concrete
Dating back at least twenty-five years ago, I started wearing shoes that provided the best support for my aching feet after waiting tables all day. While I am no longer a server, I still seek out shoes geared for shock absorption, such as running shoes, insole supports, and podiatrist-recommended footwear. At the moment, I am wearing New Balance but am considering switching to Hoka’s as they are what my cousin, who is a nurse, wears.
Moreover, supportive footwear is absolutely essential, especially when standing on hard surfaces like concrete. Shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can make a significant difference. I will for sure look for those specifically designed for people who stand for long periods, as they are built to reduce pressure on the joints and provide better shock absorption.
In addition to footwear, targeted physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles supporting your feet, legs, and lower back, thereby creating a more stable foundation and reducing compensatory movements that lead to pain. Exercises focusing on stretching and strengthening your hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves can also improve overall alignment and reduce joint stress.
And do not think that I haven’t thought about ergonomics. I have been using anti-fatigue mats to try and mitigate some of the harsh impacts of standing on my tile floors in the kitchen and on the concrete floor in my laundry room for years; however, I do not have an outdoor anti-fatigue mat yet but will be investing in one as soon as possible! The mats do offer a softer surface that reduces the strain on my body, but the pain is still there, just not as intense.
I have maintained an open dialogue with my healthcare providers all along, and their pain management plans have been dynamic, reflecting any changes in my conditions as well as incorporating new strategies or treatments as needed. Effective communication about symptoms and treatments will better inform the decisions I make, enhancing the management of chronic pain comprehensively.
Why does standing on concrete hurt?
In conclusion, because standing on concrete hurts my back, knees, and hip, I am taking measures to reduce the shock absorbed in my body by wearing special footwear, going to physical therapy, and seeing a podiatrist for more solutions.