A little overweight?

A study indicates the importance of examining the shoes of every overweight patient with excessive heel wear, rollover breakdown of the sides, as well as heel counter wear. The excess weight imposes more stress on the bottom of the foot, and hence this tension is transmitted to the plantar fascia. This then results in hyperpronation at the foot and ankle, arch collapse, valgus knees, and excessive knee and hip joint rotation.

The initial solution is to lose weight, however, this is easier said than done. A more reasonable solution is to support the plantar fascia and the foot with a custom orthotic insert. Hence, the orthotic will minimize the hyperpronation at the foot and ankle, reduce arch collapse. These two corrections will reduce the occurence and symptoms of valgus knees and excessive knee and hip joint rotation.

The recommended type of support is a controlling type of support to withstand the high forces imposed on the lower extremities by heavier loads. In addition, the arch support (custom orthotic) will slow the degenerative processes (arthritis) in the foot and ankle joints.

(Kim D. Christensen, D.C. DACRB, CCSP, Adjunctive Therapies to the Adjustment)

If you would like us to check your feet, call to book an appointment at the Foot & Back Clinic. At the Foot & Back Clinic, we will discuss the biomechanics of your individual feet, as well as checking your walking pattern (gait). This appointment will help to determine if we can be of help to you, and more importnantly your feet. Call today!

Call (905) 272-3668