Any competent builder will tell you that a firm, level
foundation is the top priority when constructing a building or other
structure. If the foundation is not firm
and level, nothing else that is built above it will be straight. Look at the Pisa Tower in Italy. The ground that the tower was built on was
soft on one side and began to settle as it was being constructed. The builders tried to compensate for the lean
by constructing the remaining floors at an angle.
Just like the Pisa Tower, your feet are part of your
physical foundation. If feet are unstable,
nothing else above will be straight. Pain
can develop in the feet themselves and your body will start to compensate and
make changes further up the body as well.
This can lead to further dysfunction such as low back pain, mid back
pain and even headaches.
A few problems in
that may occur in feet themselves are:
~
Plantar
fasciitis (commonly called Heel Spurs)—pain that is at the bottom of the foot
or heel that hurts worse after a walking again after a time of rest. When not severe, a short time of walking will
lessen the pain.
~
Hallux
valgus (also known more commonly as bunions)—this is when the great toe joint
is misaligned inward and is often caused or made worse by tight fitting shoes
at the toes.
~
Pronation
(fallen arch/flat feet)—flattening of the arches of varying degrees. This can be mild or severe. Excessive pronation of the feet causes
changes in the normal gait cycle (walking and running) and produces stresses to
the leg, hip, pelvis, and low back. The
result is recurring misalignments and eventual ligament instability affecting
the low back and potentially the entire spine.
What to do?
·
Limit use of flip-flops, high heels, and
constricting footwear. Opt for
supportive shoes when walking and running.
Make sure these shoes can ‘breathe’ to help prevent fungal infections in
the feet.
·
Stretch—stretch your calf muscles. If you have plantar fasciitis pain (described
above) stretch the bottom of the foot by placing a golf ball or other similarly
sized ball on the floor and rolling it around with your foot. Do no more than a minute on each foot until
you know how your foot will respond.
·
Have your feet checked by your
chiropractor. Adjustments to the bones
of the feet can help rebalance the body.
Some people need additional support from custom made orthotics, but not
everyone requires them.
Many women (and men!) love their shoes. Make sure that this love of fashion doesn’t
cramp your health-syle. Take care of
your feet and they will take you places!
