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Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body

Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body

The feet are the foundation of the body. The feet carry the body’s entire weight allowing for movement with ease. The feet are a complex structure that consists of:
  • Bones
  • Joints
  • Muscles
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Nerve endings
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body
 
Because of this, the feet are a high-impact area taking the everyday forces that come from:
  • Balancing
  • Walking
  • Running
  • Stopping
  • Twisting
  • Shifting positions
  • Tiptoe reaching

Common Symptoms

Symptoms commonly caused by foot issues include:
  • Soreness
  • Stiffness
  • Leg pain
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Poor balance
Flat feet, fallen arches, injuries, bone spurs, and other issues can cause problems with the rest of the body. The most common are:

Back Problems

When foot issues are present it’s common to change walking postures to avoid pain and discomfort. Individuals often do not realize they are doing it until the awkward postures begin to present with pain and discomfort. Overcompensation combined with unhealthy walking patterns can cause back pain. This is because the spine is becoming misaligned. Balance of the body is crucial. When something shifts the proper balance, the whole spine can shift out of alignment. This is especially true for individuals with flat feet. Flat feet can cause the ankle/s to lose alignment. This leads to problems up the body, from the knees to the hips to the spine and neck.  

Joint Pain

Imbalances cause the feet and spine to not absorb shocks from everyday activity properly. This means the rest of the body, especially the joints, have an added job of absorbing the shock/impact. As time goes on the stress and shock can lead to severe ankle, knee, hip discomfort/pain, and malfunctions.  

Posture Imbalance

These misalignments cause imbalance and posture problems. When the feet have lost the proper anchoring and alignment, overall posture and balance become affected. This increases the risk for dangerous slip and fall accidents that can exacerbate or cause new injuries. Posture problems are usually the result of the body trying to redistribute weight to reduce the pain and because it works then becomes a bad habit.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body
 

Referred and Radiating Pain

The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet connect to the rest of the body. Any pain/issues like calf pain or weakness in the feet can begin to present in the lower leg since that is where the soft tissue is most closely connected.  
 

Foot Problems/Issues

The most common foot problems podiatrists see that lead to the aforementioned ailments.  

Flat Feet

Flat feet also known as fallen arches. This is a condition where the feet lack or have lost the arch when standing. This can be quite uncomfortable and creates weight distribution problems. It can be a genetic condition but is also be the result of wearing shoes without arch support for a prolonged time.  

Corns and Bunions

Corns are round circles of thick skin on the toes, or on the soles of the feet. The body forms them naturally to prevent blisters, but they could be the result of poorly fitting shoes. Typically they are not painful when they form, but can become irritated over time. Bunions are bumps on the side of the big toe that can cause a bending inward toward the other toes, creating a painful angle. This can cause severe irritation and inflammation in the bump and toes. These can be genetic or caused by structural problems. But they can be caused by tight-fitting shoes or excess pressure on the feet for prolonged periods.  

Hammertoe

Hammertoe, also known as mallet toe, is a condition that makes one or more of the toes pointing down rather than straight. Walking can cause pain, and movement of the toe can reduce or stop completely. This is caused by arthritis or an injury, it can be genetic, or the result of poor footwear.  

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition causes pain that goes from the bottom of the heel to the middle of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament also located in this area. There is a wide range of pain levels that can range from dull to stabbing. It is often caused by poor footwear with no arch support that has been worn for long periods when walking, standing, and running. Weight gain is another cause, as the added weight could be too much for the foot to manage, causing strain.  

Shoes

Individuals that wear high heels, shoes that are the wrong size, or other uncomfortable footwear consistently will more likely develop the aforementioned issues. Shoes with proper support are essential to optimal foot and body health because they evenly distribute the weight of the body lessening the impact from everyday activities.  

Foot Orthotics

Another recommended option for alleviating foot issues is custom foot orthotic inserts. These can be fit into any shoe, and are customized to an individual’s feet. They’re affordable, and allow individuals to wear their shoes without pain.  

Chiropractic & Physical Therapy

Chiropractic and physical therapy can help alleviate the pain that is resultant from foot problems. Seeing a podiatrist can treat the root cause of the condition, but the rest of the body could need chiropractic readjusting from the misalignment/s.

Custom Orthotics


  Heat-related illnesses vary in their severity, but even light symptoms need immediate action to correct the problem before it does become severe.  

Heat cramps

When exercising in the heat painful cramps can present. The affected muscle/s might feel hard, spasm, or generate sharp pain. The body temperature could still be within normal limits.  

Heat syncope

Syncope is a loss of consciousness, that is usually recognized as exercise-related collapse. However, before this happens, there may be a feeling of lightheadedness or fainting. This happens when temperatures are high and the individual has been standing or exercising for a long time. The same can occur when standing up quickly after sitting for a long time.  

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when the body temperature exceeds normal limits and rises as high as 104. This can cause nausea, weakness, cold, fainting, headaches, and vomiting. The body continues to sweat, but the skin may feel cold and clammy.  

Heatstroke and Sunstroke

Heat exhaustion untreated leads to heatstroke or sunstroke. The body’s core temperature is greater than 104 degrees and in a life-threatening emergency. The skin is no longer capable of sweating and can feel dry or moist. Individuals can become confused, irritable, and experience heart arrhythmias. Immediate medical emergency treatment is necessary to stop brain damage, organ failure, and death.  

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico  
References
Joint Bone Spine. (December 2014) “Effects of unstable shoes on chronic low back pain in health professionals: A randomized controlled trial” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1297319X14001456 Your Foot Type Matters: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. (July 2018) “Association between the hyper-pronated foot and the degree of severity of disability in patients with non-specific low back pain” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859217303388 How to Find the Right Shoes: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. (December 2001) “Biomechanical effects of wearing high-heeled shoes” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169814101000385
Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

One of the most likely causes of foot/heel pain is inflamed plantar fascia, which causes plantar fasciitis. It can be a painful and common injury from overuse of the ligaments in the foot. When this pain presents, it can make an individual not want to walk or place any type of pressure on the feet, as the pain worsens with pressure or impact on the foot. �

Chiropractic care doesn�t just treat the spine but can help with various other musculoskeletal issues throughout the body. With chiropractic adjustments, rest, icing, and exercises, the ligaments, and tissues of the feet are worked out, massaged, and stretched back to their normal range.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

Plantar Fascia

There is a ligament called the plantar fascia. It runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel. The plantar fascia absorbs shock and helps support the feet when walking. However, ligament tension can begin to increase, specifically when standing for long periods. When the tension reaches its limit, small tears can begin to form along with inflammation causing pain.

The pain occurs when walking, standing, or immediately after waking up. The condition can happen to anyone but is more likely to become an issue for those who stand or walk as a regular part of their job, home activity, etc. Side effects from the foot pain often cause individuals to adjust their walking gait to avoid feeling discomfort, that stresses the rest of the body like the muscles, ligaments, joints that can lead to various types of injury/s. �

Chiropractic Treatment

Individuals with an inflamed plantar fascia often experience a shooting/stabbing pain that worsens in the morning or after standing or sitting for an extended time. Repetitive impact on the feet and poor arch support from shoes cause small tears to happen over time from the continued stress. If it has just started the pain can be treated with ice and rest, but they are not for solving the root cause. Chiropractic can help bring pain relief that lasts along with recurrence prevention. Here are some a few ways a chiropractor can help: �

Ankle Re-alignment

  • Ankle misalignment can contribute to plantar fasciitis at the plantar fascia has to work harder to move the foot without the ankle’s support. Manipulation and realignment of the ankle will improve foot function.

Massage

  • A chiropractor along with a physical therapy team can be utilized for soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy to release tension.

Exercises and Stretches

 

  • Various stretching and exercising techniques can be implemented to help speed up the healing process. A chiropractor will work the individual through exercises and stretches designed to relieve inflammation and stretch out the tissue. Specific exercises will also be taught to help strengthen the lower leg muscles to stabilize the heel and help prevent pain.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

Posture

  • A chiropractor will correct any improper posture/s that has contributed to the foot pain or has become a way of being able to function as a result of the pain. This will return the individual to a normal gait when walking and running. Pressure on the feet and plantar fascia will be alleviated.

Spinal/Hip Re-alignment

  • Individuals learn to avoid pain by walking/moving in a different way than how the body is supposed to. This results in pain in the hips and back, as the body is being pulled in various ways. Manipulation and mobilization will be used to realign the body to its proper form.

Footwear/Orthotics

  • A chiropractor will make adjustments to the feet, ankles, and spine to reduce pain and relieve the pressure on the plantar fascia. Supportive footwear and orthotics could be recommended for extended/preventative care. Once diagnosed with a foot problem wearing proper shoes that support the feet is essential.
  • Orthotics can also help prevent injury to the back, joints, and muscles that were stretched or over-worked from an abnormal gait. When the pressure is relieved, the ligament starts to heal. This can take a few weeks. The result is a healthier heel/foot with proper function. Chiropractic can accelerate the healing process combined with home care. If pain is presenting in the heel, do not delay and focus on healing the foot.

Reduce Plantar Fasciitis

 


Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Goff, James D, and Robert Crawford. �Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.��American family physician�vol. 84,6 (2011): 676-82.

Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics

Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics

Few individuals realize they have problems with their feet. Flat feet can cause anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. This is a condition where the pelvis tilts too far forward or too far backward. Individuals can go through their entire life without realizing they have some type of foot issue. This can cause poor support in the lumbar spine generating back problems and chronic illness. The problem with foot issues is that it can set-up a chain of physiological deficiencies. This can include:
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics
 
Many accept these health issues as part of their normal physiology. However, flat-feet and other related musculoskeletal issues can be identified and corrected with proper support. Custom Foot Orthotics for the foot issue/s and chiropractic alignment for the whole-body. Based on the assessment of the spinal curvature and posture of the individual, a chiropractor will be able to determine to what degree the pelvic tilt and foot problem/s need to be corrected.

Foot Orthotic Support

How orthotics function to promote proper posture and alleviate back pain works like this.
  • First, immediate support to the feet that are weakened, unbalanced, and lack physiological strength is provided. This generates proper posture and balance all the way up the spine.
  • Second, the feet are able to remodel themselves over time as they become accustomed to the new support.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics
 

Pelvic Tilt Identification

Chiropractors utilize orthotics when correcting anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. This is because the conditions are the direct result of a poor/weakened foundation. When there is little or no natural arch of the foot there is no support for the: The lower body needs this support from these various muscle groups with many in the lower back. This causes strain on these muscles and causes pelvic and potential spinal misalignment. Depending on the progress of the tilt/misalignment and posture, will aid a chiropractor to determine the best treatment approach.  
 

Rebuilding

Chiropractic adjustments will be able to restore the lumbar support that was weakened or lost from foot issues. A chiropractor will go to the source or root of the problem. Foot orthotics can be a primary tool for re-training the feet for proper support. These orthotics are custom modeled to an individual�s feet. This promotes spinal and pelvic wellness combined with the right amount of support required for each foot. Over time, and as the feet remodel themselves the custom orthotics can also be remodeled allowing for continuous improvement. With time it�s possible for many to accomplish the restoration of the body’s musculoskeletal health. These include:
  • Strengthened foot arches
  • Stress and muscle tension alleviation
  • A re-trained proper lower back support
  • Restoration of proper spinal curvature
  • Correct and retrain anterior/posterior pelvic tilting habits

Custom Foot Orthotics

Foot orthotics require no effort. An individual just puts them in their footwear and done. The orthotics do the work for the individual when standing, walking, or running. If diagnosed with a pelvic tilt condition or are unsure if there is a tilt, contact a chiropractor about the benefits of foot orthotics.

Benefits of Functional Foot Orthotics

 

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Betsch, Marcel, et al. �Influence of foot positions on the spine and pelvis.� Arthritis care & research�vol. 63,12 (2011): 1758-65. doi:10.1002/acr.20601
Summer Footwear, Back Pain and What To Know

Summer Footwear, Back Pain and What To Know

Summer footwear, although light and comfortable can lead to low back pain. Individuals with low back pain conditions/issues should opt for custom flip-flops or sandals. A few tips on how to choose the right summer footwear and avoid back pain. With the temperature going up we’re all ready to take out the shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops or sandals. That’s when back pain can flare-up.

There are a variety of things that can generate back pain like improper posture, muscle spasms, and various medical issues. However, everyday shoe choices can also impact the spine and cause back pain. NCBI studies backed by podiatrists have found that unstable shoes, e.g., cheap flip-flops, and sandals can cause low back pain.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Summer Footwear, Back Pain and What To Know

Improper footwear allows biomechanical abnormalities affecting the feet to be compounded and worsened. This leads to increased pain in the knees, hips, and lower back. Accurately fitted shoes and orthotics are some of the best footwear for lower back pain. While flip-flops and sandals unless they are orthotic based offer little to no support.

Summer Footwear Back Pain

Like any type of mechanical system, if there is something wrong in one area, other problem issues begin to arise in other areas. It is the same with the body. If there is an issue with the feet it can affect the knees and hips, rising up to the spine causing back pain.

Summer shoes can worsen any of these underlying issues that often individuals don’t even know they had until they see a doctor for their back pain. This usually begins with the foot type. Those with flat feet tend to force the muscles and tendons in the feet to work more leading to tendinitis.

Arches that have fallen or dropped and remain unsupported can lead to arthritis development in the knees and the wearing down of the medial meniscus. Knees that do not function properly place added stress on the hips and lower back. This can lead to disc degeneration of the intervertebral discs. �

Foot Arch Type

Anatomical anomalies like fallen arches/flat feet and high arches can cause back pain differently. Hyperpronation happens in flat feet causing the arches to collapse. This places more pressure on the inside of the legs and knees, which creates more imbalance in the hips and low back. �

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Summer Footwear, Back Pain and What To Know

Hyper supination happens in high-arched feet causing the arches to rise. This places the pressure on the outside of the legs and knees, leading to muscle imbalances on the outside of the legs along with the hips and low back. Wearing unsupportive shoes like flip-flops, sandals, and heels for a long time, can cause back pain or make an existing condition worse. �

Either flat feet or high-arched feet left untreated can lead to long-term injuries and extended/over wear and tear of the spine’s vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Summer footwear choices can influence discomfort and back pain.

The Right Shoes

Summer footwear that doesn’t generate back pain doesn’t mean that you have to throw out the flip-flops. Look for shoes or flip-flops that are highly durable, sturdy, that don’t bend in the middle, and only at the toes.

For those with flat feet look for sufficient arch support to prevent hyperpronation. Pay attention to the details of the shoes/flip-flops/sandals. For example, added cushion, or ankle support could mean the difference between pain and relief. There are sandals that have ankle straps to keep the feet in place. This prevents the feet from slipping out, provides better stability during walks, and can help prevent tendinitis. �

It is better to avoid anything with a heel, especially sandals or flip-flops that have a heel/high lift. These force the individual to shift their center of gravity forward forcing the arching of the spine when standing. This position definitely contributes to back pain.

Customized Footwear

Customized flip-flops or sandals that won�t cause any back pain are available with the help of a podiatrist or a chiropractor that helps and works with podiatrists. 3D-scans can be done to make fully-customized flip-flops that support the arches based on the scan. �

Excessive Foot Pronation and Custom Foot Orthotics

 


Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

Ankle Injury, Function and Chronic Pain El Paso

Ankle Injury, Function and Chronic Pain El Paso

In the United States, ankle�injury/s likeankle 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 pain in detail anatomy

 

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.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Ankle Injury, Function and Chronic Pain El Paso, Texas

 

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.

 

Ankle Sprain Diagram

 

When there is an injury, it can impact the:

Ankle Injury

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.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Ankle Injury, Function and Chronic Pain El Paso, Texas

 

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.


 

Ankle Sprain Treatment


 

 

NCBI Resources

 

Walking Gait the Spine and Back Pain

Walking Gait the Spine and Back Pain

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:

  • Feet
  • Ankles
  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Spine

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.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Walking Gait the Spine and Back Pain El Paso, Texas

 

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.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understand Your Feet El Paso, Texas

 

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.


 

Reduce Excessive Foot Pronation with Custom Foot Orthotics

 


 

NCBI Resources

 

Reasons To Use Custom Foot Orthotics For Back Pain Relief

Reasons To Use Custom Foot Orthotics For Back Pain Relief

Are Your Shoes Causing Back Pain

Musculoskeletal health is one of the highest costs in healthcare today.

There are 1 in 2 Americans that have a musculoskeletal condition. And the need for support along with body alignment is at an all-time high.

In today’s world surveys found that Americans wear two to three pairs of shoes during the week.

However, these shoes are not made to support:

  • The body
  • Fit the feet
  • And can be dangerous to general musculoskeletal health

Health and freedom from pain are important factors in a healthy quality of life. But it starts with proper support for the body that begins from the ground up.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Reasons To Use Custom Foot Orthotics For Back Pain Relief

 

Many believe that to get proper support all you need is to buy top shoes that are optimized with athletic properties. While athletic shoes are definitely more comfortable they do not provide adequate support for the body and can affect posture and the body’s alignment.

The shoes out on the market today, whether athletic or dress are more about fashion than function. These shoes are designed based on sample sizes. Shoe companies use for men a size ten and for women a size eight for their sample. Then material isadded or subtracted to create the larger or smaller sizes.

The resultant shoes are designed to fit and provide optimum performance but are not customized to conform to each individual’s unique feet.�

  • Shoes are designed to protect feet from the elements and adapt to various activities.
  • They are not designed to handle the additional forces necessary to support the body.

Take a look at the extensive wear patterns on your shoes and see if there are imbalances in the feet. If there are areas that are really worn/flattened out then there can be severe pronation taking place. This is one serious reason to look into foot orthotics,

  • Not to worry, as excessive foot pronation affects everyone.
  • While at school, work or conducting daily chores is when individuals pronate and while wearing shoes with no arch/spine support.
  • Pronation in the feet combined with shoes that don’t fit with no support has a negative impact on posture and alignment.

With no sufficient support, the body reverts to the imbalanced state. With continued use and not addressed will cause pain in the:

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Back
  • Neck

And unfortunately, most of us ignore and even power through the pain caused by the poor fit and lack of support from these shoes.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Reasons To Use Custom Foot Orthotics For Back Pain Relief

Reasons to Use Custom Orthotics

  1. The feet make up the body�s foundation. Just like a house, problems with the foundation will create problems throughout the structure over time. Therefore if the foundation is remedied properly then the other issues remedy themselves or are easier to treat because the feet are already taken care of.
  2. Feet problems/issues create back problems. Fixing foot problems will make a difference with the back pain treatment plan.
  3. Individuals think their feet are just fine. However, they don’t know what problems are in the background waiting for the worst moment to present. Imbalance/dysfunction is a silent issue that can ripple into many problems along with pain in the spine.
  4. Feet are as unique as fingerprints. Custom orthotics will make a vast difference between the right and left foot and accommodate the body to achieve its full potential.
  5. Custom orthotics are built just for you. Based on a high-resolution 3D scan of your feet, that is sent to a Foot Levelers� team of technicians, who create your 100% unique, tailored foot orthotic/s.

 

 

Don�t be fooled by over-the-counter knock offs. These are mass-produced insoles that can worsen pain. And while most cases of back pain respond well with Chiropractic care, adding custom foot orthotics will enhance the effectiveness of the treatment with no need for surgery or side effects from medications.

Other Reasons

Custom orthotics also helps with:

Your feet and your body will thank you and will improve health by maintaining proper posture, combined with full-body support to achieve optimal quality of life.


 

How to eliminate Back Pain naturally | (2020) Foot Levelers |El Paso, Tx

 


 

NCBI Resources

When there are problems with the feet, it can cause problems through the legs and all the way to the spine. This can cause the ankle to pronate, meaning it rolls inward. This alters the way the�bones of the foot�line up which extends through the tibia, or shin bone.

This can cause a condition called knock knees and it can change the way the entire body is aligned. This puts the body out of balance, destabilizing the spine, and can even cause the pelvis to tilt to one side or the other. When you are walking or standing, the stress caused by the misalignment can create a domino effect, causing or contributing to low back pain.