Look around any crowded street and you’ll see plenty of footwear – from stiletto heels to platform shoes – that are more than a little unkind to our feet. It’s no wonder that foot pain is such a common complaint. But it’s not just our feet that are hurting. Improper footwear places strain on the knees, hips and back. Your feet serve three purposes: support, locomotion and shock absorption. So support your body by following these guidelines to proper footwear.
LEAVE THE HIGH-HEELS BEHIND
Women, please listen – the higher the heel on your shoes, the greater the amount of stress placed on your forefoot. High-heeled shoes can contribute to the collapse of one or more of the foot’s three arches. These shoes also place undue stress on the ankle which can lead to ankle instability and sprains. Plus, when you wear high-heels your calf muscles shorten. Then, if your alternate between high-heels and flat shoes, your calf muscles go through shorten/lengthen cycle that can lead to pelvic imbalances and low back pain.
CONSIDER ORTHOTICS
Many chiropractors recommend orthotics. There are two kinds of orthotics: the simple, commercially-made insoles that are available at outdoor sports stores and then there are custom made orthotics. Custom orthotics are superior since they are tailored to your individual foot and are designed to correct for you particular imbalances. These are created by making an impression of each foot called a cast, and then correcting for specific misalignments. Custom orthotics help prevent dysfunction of the lower body and legs, and decrease spinal stress.
If you have chronic low back pain or sciatica, it may be time to consider looking to the feet and for your sake, get rid of the high-heels.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 378-5660 or go to sanjuanholistichealthcare.com.
Yours in Health,
Mark W. Earnhart, D.C.
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