When the arches of the feet flatten or fall it is called “ over-pronation ”. There are various levels of severity to fallen arches . Flat feet do not absorb shock as well and provide a less stable foundation for the body . Changes in foundation can shift the entire body ’ s alignment system causing pain in the feet , knee , hips , neck and / or spine .
Do you have Flat Feet ? What is Pronation ?
By : Dr . Kerry Rodocker-Wiarda Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Gateway Chiropractic - South Shore , PLLC kwiarda @ gatewaychiropractic . com
When the arches of the feet flatten or fall it is called “ over-pronation ”. There are various levels of severity to fallen arches . Flat feet do not absorb shock as well and provide a less stable foundation for the body . Changes in foundation can shift the entire body ’ s alignment system causing pain in the feet , knee , hips , neck and / or spine .
Flat Feet Can Cause :
• Shin Splints , Achilles tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis
• Women with flat feet are 50 % more likely to have lower back pain
• 1 / 3 of people suffer from flat feet
• 77 % of people suffer from moderate to severe pronation
What is the Cause of Pronation ?
The connective tissue or the plantar fascia makes the underside of the feet and are critical in maintaining the foot ’ s arch . Injuries and overuse cause stretching and break down to the connective tissue cause the arches to flatten or fall . Once the tissue stretches it cannot return to the previous position .
5 Signs of Pronation
1 . Foot flare or toe out walking 2 . Knee rotate inward because by the arches dropping . 3 . Bowing of Achilles Tendon . Look at the back the ankle . The foot will appear to roll inward , causing a bowing to the Achilles Tendon . 4 . When standing your arches are flat . When your feet are wet they leave a large foot print with no defined arches to be seen .
5 . Uneven heel wear on your shoes . Heel strike is uneven when walking causing an uneven wear to the heel of your shoes . Look at the heel of your shoe , do you wear off the edges ?
Treatment
• Chiropractic adjustments to the bones of the feet can help to reposition the bones in proper alignment . Adjustments to the joints above can help to realign the body for proper shock absorption and provide a stable foundation .
• Functional Orthotics can provide pronation control , support and comfort .
• Specialized exercise programs can be designed to increase the stability to the feet and body .
Make sure you are receiving proper care from an experienced chiropractor , therapist or medical doctor for the care of your feet . Your feet are the foundation for your body .
33 MOMENTUM / Holiday 2017