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At some points, over 80% of the population suffer from foot-related problems.
Yet just 2% will ask their doctor about it. Many people think they have to
live with it, or hope it will just go away.
Why do people have problem with their feet? It's simple. The foot is always
in motion and under enormous pressure from the body's weight. As we walk
or run, our entire weight lands on our feet, up to 3,000 to 4,000 times a
day.
The structure of your foot supports your entire weight. The slightest
misalignment of muscles and bones can cause many different problems. The
symptoms of faulty foot mechanics may begin with any of the following:
Until a few days ago, many orthotics were bulky and that meant people
had to buy special shoes. Not anymore.
Modern orthotics are very thin and lightweight. They fit easily and
discreetly into existing shoes. You can wear your most stylish form-fitting
shoes, and still get the proper support from orthotics
That's why people whose feet or legs are not "biomechanically correct" or in
perfect alignment, often experience pains in other parts of their body.
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. They do an incredible
amount of work each day. The smallest imbalance can cause a great deal of
discomfort, but properly fitted prescription orthotics help restore the
normal balance and alignment of your body and bring relief from fatigue and
pain. Orthotics are so comfortable, and help your feet work so naturally
that you will want to wear them as much as possible.
2. Overstretching of the Achilles tendon from failed arch mechanics
Chiropractic adjustment to realign tibia and femur.
Medial Shin Splints
Chiropractic adjustment to realign tibia and fibula.
Chiropractic adjustment to realign big toe and metatarsal.
Proper movement is restored to foot joints with chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic adjustments restore arch movement out of fixed pronation, and
realign tibia and femur.
Chiropractic adjustments required to
restore lost mobility and improve nerve control over muscles.
Chiropractic adjustments to restore mobility to transverse arch.
Chiropractic adjustments to restore longitudinal arch mobility.
Orthotics Supports
Some Facts on Feet
What can be done?
Doctors know that with the proper support, most problems with the feet, and
in many cases, legs and lower back can be remedied. Your chiropractor can
prescribe foot orthotics to help correct your specific
body imbalance.What are prescriptions orthotics?
Prescription orthotics are medical appliances that are custom made to
correct abnormal foot and leg function. They are made accoding to your
chiropractor's diagnosis of your specific foot imbalance, from custom
precise impression or imaging of your feet. Orthotics work
on the feet in the same way braces work on the teeth - by exerting gentle
constant pressure to bring foot muscles and bones back into proper
alignment. They fit comfortably in your shoes.How do orthotics help?
People sometimes wonder how orthotics can correct knee or hip problems.
Have you ever had a blister on the bottom of your foot? If you have, you
know that you try not to put pressure on it. You change the angle of your
foot when you walk and the next thing you know, your knee or hip hurts
because you're walking differently. Or you many have a sore back or hip,
and you might alter the way you walk to compensate. There are many reasons
for aches in the back, legs, and feet:
Indications for Orthotics and/or Chiropractic Care
PROBLEM
SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
SOLUTION
Achilles Tendonitis
Inflammation of the sheath surrounding the Achilles
tendon: pain behind the heel, ankle and lower calf.
1. Counter rotation of the tibia against the
femur as a result of excessive pronation (inward tilting of foot)
causes the two heads of the Achilles Tendon to torque
against each other and overstretch the tendon
Orthotics to correct the excess
biomechanical imbalance. Reduce activity until inflammation subsides.
Anterior Shin Splints
Inflammation of the tendons and muscles in the front or
inside of the lower leg.
Excessive pronation combined with overuse causes
pulling of the Tibialis anterior or posterior
muscle with damage to the insertion (attachement) to these
muscles on the tibia.
Orthotics should be used to restore
normal foot and leg biomechanics to reduce excessive pronation. Reduce
activity until inflammation subsides.
Bunions
(Hallux Valgus)An unsightly, sometimes painful bump at the base of the
big toe.
Excessive pronation combined with a
hypermobile (excessive movement) first metatarsal (mid-foot
bone) ray segment causes toe-off to come off the medial
(inside) side instead of the plantar (bottom)
surface of the big toe. The retrograde force stretches and distorts the
joint.
Orthotics will control pronation and
eliminate further angling of the big toe and jamming of the joint.
Calluses
Hard, dry masses of yellowish or grayish skin on the
plantar surface, often surrounded by a red, inflammed rim that is swollen
and painful.
Excessive pressure on the weight-bearing
segments of the foot. Microtrauma due to hypermobility associated with
excessive pronation.
Although calluses can be removed, they
will return unless weight distribution is balanced with orthotics.
Chondromalacia Patella
(Runner's Knee)A degenerative inflammation of the cartilage covering the
underside of the patella; knee pain and medial soreness.
Excessive pronation counter-rotates the tibia
against the femur creating undue stress that prevents the knee cap from
tracking in its proper groove on the femur bone. The femoral condules
irritate and damage the back of the patella.
Orthotics are necessary to control
abnormal pronation and prevent counter rotation of tibia against femur.
Hammer Toes
The distal joints of the smaller toes bend down, while
the proximal joint bends up. Corns form where they bend up.
Muscle imbalance and dropped metarsal heads.
If not corrected, the joints may stiffen
in this awkward position. Orthotics will help correct position. Also need
to treat the associated corns.
Neuroma
(Intermetatarsal Forefoot Pain)Pain in the ball of the foot and/or numbness in the toes.
Usually between 3rd and 4th toes.
Chronic irritation of the intermetatarsal nerves
due to the shearing of the metatarsal heads.
Orthotics to provide the forefoot with
proper balance, spreading the metatarsal heads to allow a clear passage for
the nerves.
Plantar Fascitis
Pain directly beneath or in front of the heel: chronic
inflammation of the plantar fascia, sometimes accompanied by a bone spur where
the fascia inserts at the calcaneus
Excessive abnormal pronation stretching the plantar
fascia over and over with every step. The origin at the calcaneus in the
in the hindfoot is weakest and generally where the fibers are torn.
Orthotics to control pronation and
eliminate repeated elongation of the foot.
The wearing of orthotics
In your shoes your feet rest comfortably on the orthotics. Your feet are
gently and consistently forced into the correct functioning position for
walking, running and standing. Pressure points, improper rotation of the
foot, painful muscle strain, and abnormal forces on the legs, hips and
spine are eliminated because orthotics enable your feet to function
properly.Are you a candidate for orthotics?
Orthotics may not be the solution to your problems, so it is best to consult
with a health professional whose specialty is with the restoration of
proper biomechanics and alignment. Your chiropractor can advise you if
orthotics are a fitting part of your health care needs.
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