Go the other way, WTB. Work from the end of the IK chain up, not from the mid point down. So when doing legs you would start at the feet, and arms you start at the fingers. But, yeah -- it's still a PITA!

thou and I, my friend, can, in the most flunkey world, make, each of us, one non-flunkey, one hero, if we like: that will be two heroes to begin with. (Carlyle)