In the United States, ankle�injury/s like�ankle sprains and strains�happen to�people every day.�Around 50 percent of ankle injuries are�misdiagnosed, and not treated correctly, which can lead to disability or chronic ankle pain. An ankle that is not functioning properly affects the whole body. The muscles on either side of the leg and underneath the foot can present with soreness and pain.
This can lead to:
Loss of mobility
Uneven walking gait
Hip pain
Back pain
Ankle Anatomy
Three bones are connected to the ankle joint. The lower ends of the shinbone and the lower leg small bone meet to form a socket that the ankle bone sits in. The bottom of the talus rests on the heel bone.
There is around an inch-thick lining of soft cartilage inside the joint. This provides shock absorption for the body’s weight. It is so tough and durable provided there is no injury, it lasts for life. The bones are held together with ligaments and the muscles are attached to the bones by the tendons.
The standard treatment for ankle pain is R.I.C.E., which means rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Depending on the injury type there is an updated treatment approach that replaces the R with an M, where instead of resting, movement is the more beneficial treatment. This is done to keep the muscles, tendons, and ligaments from swelling, whereas resting would have allowed swelling to set in, thus extending recovery time.
There are certain types of ankle injuries that can be exacerbated by movement so only when it is deemed appropriate, otherwise stick with the rest. Other types of treatment include different techniques of pain control from ibuprofen to prescription meds.
When it comes to severe injuries, like a torn ligament, these could require surgical treatment. X-rays and MRIs are utilized to see if there is an injury and to determine the extent of the injury.
Physical Therapy/Chiropractic
A chiropractor will assess the individual’s source of pain and determine the cause. They will use all the tools available. This includes x-rays, MRI, CT scans, and other diagnostic tools to help them determine the best treatment protocol.
When an ankle injury is new and inflammation has set in along with tenderness, treatment can include:
This is in addition to rest, ice, compression and elevation. As the ankle heals, the inflammation reduces and becomes more stable, ankle adjustments and foot adjustments could be introduced.
Chiropractic can reduce pain without prescription medication and any associated side effects. This is one of the reasons individuals gravitate towards chiropractic. Regular chiropractic can strengthen the ankle, increase its stability and increase mobility and flexibility.
Nerves and soft tissues can also become damaged. Chiropractic therapy promotes blood flow. This speeds the healing process and reduces the chance of further injury. The whole-body approach that chiropractic embraces also deals with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle like losing weight and exercise. Chiropractic is a very effective therapy for treating ankle pain and injury/s. It is a non-invasive, natural approach to healing that allows and trains the body to heal itself.
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The way a person walks is known as gait. A problem with gait can indicate pain in a patient as well as serious conditions like diabetes and arthritis. An individual’s gait can be very telling revealing problems in the:
It is a diagnostic tool for a variety of conditions, injuries, and syndromes including autism. When it comes to chiropractic, an individual’s gait can offer important information regarding the root of the complaints, allowing for a more well-rounded, whole-body approach. If you think that the way you walk or moves does not matter, think again, as it could save you from developing back problems in the long run.
Gait Analysis
Gait analysis consists of a set of tests designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s gait. It is a study of human movement/motion that involves observing the individual and using specialized instruments that measure body movements, muscle activity, and body mechanics.
It is an assessment tool to provide insight into creating a treatment plan for people who have conditions or injuries that affect their ability to walk. It is utilized in sports biomechanics to help athletes gain optimal movement and for identifying problems with movement or posture, especially those with injuries. During the analysis, the individual may be asked to walk in a certain pattern or on a treadmill, that is usually connected to a computer, while the chiropractor/therapist looks at them from different angles.
Cameras are placed at different points to capture various views/perspectives including the front, back, and sides. The individual might have markers placed at certain points on the body like the knee, ankle, pelvis, etc. As the person moves, the computer captures data of the movement with a three-dimensional calculation of each marker. It generates a model to assess the movement of the skeletal structure, resulting in a detailed analysis of each joint�s movement.
Factors that Affect Gait
There are factors that affect an individual’s gait and that information is necessary for the analysis to be accurate. Age, gender, height, and weight of the individual is vital because men and women move differently and as individual age their body structure changes. Excess weight or physique can affect an individual’s posture and gait.
Shoes or not wearing shoes will also affect gait, as the terrain individuals walk on, and articles they carry, like a purse or backpack, changes how we walk. Other factors include:
Body proportion
State of mind
Emotions
Stress level
Personality type
Pathological factors such as
Neurological diseases
Psychiatric disorders
Trauma
Musculoskeletal issues
This is also measured and factored into the analysis data that includes the patients:
Length of stride
Cadence
Hip angle
Foot angle
Step length
Walking
Motion speed
Advantages of a Gait Analysis
Getting a gait analysis can be very helpful because it can provide invaluable insight into how your body is aligned and how it moves. It is a great diagnostic tool for identifying health issues related to the gait, spine, and feet and can also help provide early detection of health issues before the onset of symptoms.
If your chiropractor recommends you get a gait analysis it could be they suspect that something is going on, or it could mean they want a more thorough examination to provide optimal care. If you have any concerns talk with your chiropractor and ask them any questions that you have prior to the analysis, as stress and anxiety can put tension on the muscles and body, thus affecting the results.
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Diabetes and Autoimmunity Live Webinar � (915) 613-5303
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, for a webinar where we discuss autoimmunity, what factors impact inflammation, and how it ties into diabetes.
Join us for a webinar where we discuss autoimmunity, what factors impact inflammation, and how it ties into diabetes.
Functional Medicine* and Integrative Wellness requires Doctors to engage in further education outside of their core training and within their scope of practice.
Functional medicine requires doctors to continue their education and re-evaluate how they treat patients, including clinical decision thinking. Functional medicine stems from the basis and clinical application of understanding �whole body� wellness and the interconnection between organ systems and their processes.
Diabetes is an extremely complex autoimmune and metabolic disorder. The main descriptor of diabetes is that it impairs the glucose regulation and tolerance in the human body. Improper glucose regulation can lead to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia for prolonged lengths of time leads to organ end failure. The main organs and systems that are directly affected by hyperglycemia include but are not limited to: kidneys, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and retina.
Diabetes falls under the umbrella of an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmunity is a broad term used to describe multiple human illnesses. Autoimmunity occurs when the body has an increased amount of inflammation for a substantial amount of time. Inflammation is necessary as it is a natural defense mechanism. However, when this inflammation becomes overpowering, a misdirected signal from the immune system can occur and the body begins to attack itself, leading to autoimmune conditions.
Common symptoms and warning signs of inflammation and autoimmune conditions include:
?? Fatigue
?? Achy Muscles
?? Swelling
?? Brain Fog
?? Hair Loss
?? And More!
Generally speaking, there are two main types of diabetes that cases get classified as. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Majority of the cases are T2D and are directly related to a decrease or lack in insulin sensitivity.
To learn more about diabetes, inflammation and the role they both play with each other as well as autoimmunity join us for a live webinar. Diabetes and autoimmunity are both extremely complicated but can be explained in a way that brings individuals clarity and understanding.
This webinar is led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, who has advanced training in functional medicine, neurophysiology, and clinical applications.
*Additional Education: M.S.A.C.P – Licensed in Texas & New Mexico. Scope of Practice Governed and Determined by State License & State Board Rules & Regulations.
Or join by phone:
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Webinar ID: 106 208 392
International numbers available: zoom.us/u/aeHB2ZmncF
Functional Medicine* and Integrative Wellness requires Doctors to engage in further education outside of their core training and within their scope of practice.
Join us for a webinar where we discuss and pinpoint the complications of Fibromyalgia and Inflammation. Fibromyalgia can be classified as widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Tune in to discover how fibromyalgia and inflammation could be affecting you.
Functional medicine requires doctors to continue their education and re-evaluate how they treat patients, including clinical decision thinking. Functional medicine stems from the basis and clinical application of understanding �whole body� wellness and the interconnection between organ systems and their processes.
Part of practicing and understanding the whole body wellness approach is understanding that the multi-organ systems heavily rely on each other. This being said, it is clear that conditions such as fibromyalgia include multiple areas and organ systems. The connection between fibromyalgia is directly correlated to the gastrointestinal system, which is related to inflammation.
Fibromyalgia is anything but simple. It is classified as a neurologic health condition. The factors of this condition include pain and widespread tenderness throughout the entire body. The widespread pain that individuals experience affects the mitochondria, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Those who have fibromyalgia also see symptoms such as:
? Headaches
? Lack of or Trouble Sleeping
? Brain Fog
? Anxiety
? Depression
? And More!
These symptoms are related to other organ systems in the body. Fibromyalgia interrupts the natural communication between pathways, causing widespread pain and other side effects to occur involving other body systems.
The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the uptake of nutrients, digestion, detoxification, and maintaining a balance of good and bad bacteria allowing the microbiome to flourish. When the bacteria becomes overactive, and a specific strain overpowers others, we see a condition called small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Patients who are being treated for SIBO have experienced relief of fibromyalgia-like symptoms. Proving and showing how the body systems are intertwined and communicate and rely on each other for optimal function and total body health.
Join us for this live webinar event to gain more knowledge regarding ways to combat inflammation and fibromyalgia. This informative webinar is led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, who has advanced training in functional medicine, neurophysiology, and clinical applications.
*Additional Education: M.S.A.C.P – Licensed in Texas & New Mexico. Scope of Practice Governed and Determined by State License & State Board Rules & Regulations
Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866
Webinar ID: 666 187 216
International numbers available: zoom.us/u/aeHB2ZmncF
The lumbar spine is the lower back that starts below the last thoracic vertebra T12 and ends at the top of the sacral spine or sacrum S1. Each lumbar spinal level is numbered from top to bottom, L1 to L5, or L6. The low back bodies are larger, and thicker structures of dense bone. From the front or anterior, the vertebral body has a rounded shape.
The posterior bony structure is a different lamina, which is a thin bony plate that shields and protects access to the spinal canal. There are vertebral arches that create the hollow spinal canal for lumbar nerve structures and the cauda equina.
Lumbar Structure Strong Joint Complex
One intervertebral disc together with the facet joints forms a strong joint complex that allows the spine to bend and twist. One pair of facet joints from the top or superior vertebral body connects the lower or inferior set of facet joints. The facet joints are synovial joints, which means they are lined with cartilage and the capsule holds synovial fluid that enables joints to glide during movement. Think of it as hydraulics with smooth fluid motion.
Facet joint syndrome can develop from aging and degenerative spinal changes causing low back pain. The lumbar discs are secured in place by the fibrous endplates of the superior and inferior vertebral bodies.
The jelly/gel center of each disc called the nucleus pulposus is surrounded by the annulus fibrosis, which is a tough layer of fibrocartilage that you can think of as a radial tire.
Discs are integral to the joint complex and function to:
Hold the superior and inferior vertebrae together
Take the weight
Absorb and distribute shock and forces when moving about
Create an open nerve passageway called foramen or neuroforamen
The neuroforaminal spaces on either side of the disc allow nerve roots to exit the spinal canal and leave the column.
Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of low back pain that can spread out into one or both legs. This is called lumbar radiculopathy. This condition can develop when the nerves are compressed.
Low Back Support
Lumbar Ligaments
Tendons
Muscles
Systems of strong fibrous bands of ligaments hold the vertebrae and discs together and stabilize the spine by helping to prevent over/excessive movements.
The 3 major spinal ligaments are the:
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Ligamentum flavum.
Spinal tendons attach muscles to the vertebrae and together work to limit excessive movement.
Lumbar Spine Nerves
The spinal cord comes to an end between the first and second lumbar vertebrae(L1-L2). Below this is the remaining nerves that form the cauda equina which is a bundle of nerves that looks like a horse�s tail. These nerves send messages between the brain and the lower body structures, including the:
Large intestine
Bladder
Abdominal muscles
Perineum
Legs
Feet
Protect Your Back
Around 80% of adults will see a doctor for low back pain at some point. Therefore take care of your lumbar spine to help avoid painful, unnecessary wear-and-tear. You can minimize the risk of a low back injury/pain by:
Losing weight. Even a loss of 5 pounds can help reduce back pain.
Strengthening the core/abdominal muscles. The abdominal and low back muscles work together to form a supportive band around the waist and low back. Stronger muscles help stabilize the low back and reduce the risk of injury.
Stopping smoking. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the spine’s structures. This includes the lumbar discs and accelerates age-related degeneration.
Proper posture and proper body mechanics. When lifting objects keep your spine erect and use your legs. Ask for help with heavy objects. The lumbar spine is can bend and twist simultaneously, try to avoid doing this, as it is a perfect setup for a strain or sprain.
Get Rid of Low Back Pain with Custom Foot Orthotics
Gut Health, Inflammation and Autoimmunity � (915) 613-5303
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, for a live webinar event discussing the importance and role of Gut Health, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity!
Join us for a live webinar event discussing the importance and role of Gut Health, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity!
Functional Medicine* and Integrative Wellness requires Doctors to engage in further education outside of their core training and within their scope of practice.
We will review how gut health is related to underlying conditions and how to combat inflammation and its effects on autoimmunity.
Functional medicine requires doctors to continue their education and re-evaluate how they treat patients, including clinical decision thinking. Functional medicine stems from the basis and clinical application of understanding �whole body� wellness and the interconnection between organ systems and their processes.
A large part of understanding functional medicine and the depth and detail of the multi-organ systems the human body uses is understanding all of the systems and how they communicate with each other.
Inflammation is a critical factor that naturally occurs in the body. Inflammation in moderation is exactly what the body uses to defend itself against potentially harmful substances. However, when the inflammation gets out of control, we start to see increased issues and lack of tight junctions in the gastrointestinal tract. The lack of tight junctions leads to nutrients that are not fully digested to be reabsorbed and seep back into the bloodstream.
The body will no longer recognize these nutrients and begin to use the immune system to fight off these now �foreign invaders.� This is where we start to see the signs and symptoms leading to an autoimmune disease. Many individuals suffering from intestinal permeability and inflammation can see:
? Sleep disturbances
? Arthritis
? Brain Fog
? Difficulty Concentrating
? Migraines
? Depression
? Anxiety
? And more!
Learn more about the depth and importance of the gastrointestinal tract, the role it has in inflammation, what causes inflammation, and how it can be linked to several different autoimmune conditions. Join us for this informative webinar led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, who has advanced training in functional medicine, neurophysiology, and clinical applications
*Additional Education: M.S.A.C.P – Licensed in Texas & New Mexico. Scope of Practice Governed and Determined by State License & State Board Rules & Regulations.
Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 369 919 751
International numbers available: zoom.us/u/aeHB2ZmncF
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