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