Importance of Your Feet

Feet.....More Important Then You Think!!

Many foot and lower body conditions often stem from improper biomechanical gait that can be treated with custom orthotics. If you have chronic conditions that will not improve with other therapies, it might be time to have your feet checked. Common ailments related to poor foot biomechanics:

1) Plantar Fasciitis….What is it? Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft tissues of the underfoot.

What causes it? Over-pronation results in a constant tugging of the attachment site of the soft-tissues as mentioned above causing Inflammation. When the person is
off-weight bearing, scar tissue begins to repair the site of injury. When the person resumes weight-bearing, the scar tissue is torn resulting in acute pain. This explains why someone typically experience the most pain when they get out of bed, or stand after a period of sitting.

What is the treatment? Firstly, one must control the acute phase with ice that aid in the reduction of inflammation. Next, the biomechanical fault needs to be corrected to take
the chronic strain of the fascia. This may be accomplished with a properly designed custom orthotic.

2) Iliotibial Band Syndrome….What is it? The iliotibial band which is a thick extension of the tensor fascia latae muscle slides over the lateral part of the knee. Iliotibial Band
Syndrome is an inflammatory reaction at the side where this sliding occurs.

What causes it? If the foot over-pronates, this is accompanied by internal rotation of the entire lower limb,producing a constant friction between the band and the bony prominence of the femur. It is therefore very common among runners especially if they run on a banked track or downhill.

What is the treatment? First the patient must rest from the causative activity. During this time anti-inflammatory measures should be employed (ice, various modalities).
Finally the biomechanical fault (over-pronation) should be corrected reduce the tendency for the lower limb to rotate excessively. An orthotic designed to reduce pronation should accomplish this task.

3) Sacroiliac Syndrome...What is it? Sacroiliac syndrome is a painful inflammatory condition of the sacroiliac joints. The patient generally experiences pain in the buttock and thigh regions. It is typically aggravated by sitting for long periods.

What causes it? Quite frequently it’s caused by an injury such as would be sustained by a fall on the buttocks or during a lifting activity. However there is some evidence to
suggest that a chronic irritation from abnormal foot mechanics is also a possible cause. When a foot over-pronates, it creates a tendancy towards internal rotation of the lower limb. If the mechanics of the feet are not symmetrical, then conflicting rotations may occur at the two sacroiliac joints. This appears to set up a chronic irritation of these joints leading to the inflammation.

What is the treatment? Chiropractic adjustments will be effective if the cause was traumatic in nature. However if the cause is poor foot mechanics, correction of the abnormal foot mechanics may be accomplished with orthotic prescription.

- Dr. Andrew Erjavec

For more information on how chiropractic care or custom orthotics can help you please contact Benefit Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic in Langley, BC at 604-534-7451.