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Foot Orthotics

Back Clinic Foot orthotics These are shoe inserts that are custom-made to medical specifications. Custom-made orthotics are considered more effective and made of higher quality than pre-made orthotics.

Custom-made orthotics can:

  • Correct abnormal walk or gait
  • Reduce pain
  • Prevent and protect foot/feet deformity
  • Better alignment
  • Take away pressure on the foot/feet
  • Improve mechanics of the foot

Foot pain can come from an injury, disease, or condition, but the cause of the foot pain is what the doctor wants to know to know what type of orthotic to design. The inserts are made by taking an impression of the foot/feet with a 3-D scan.

Suffering from foot pain, that can lead to leg, hip, and spine problems, then orthotics could hold the key to optimal health. By starting from the bottom up foot orthotics can prevent any problems/issues and relieve any pain. It is an option to be considered and should be discussed with your physician.


Ankle Instability

Ankle Instability

The ankles provide an essential role in total body function. They work as a complex system within the feet to carry the body’s weight and support movement. Any imbalance can cause ankle instability that can cause other areas of the body to go out of balance. This is most often caused by an injury, like an ankle sprain. If not properly addressed, it can lead to chronic instability and long-term health issues throughout the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can rehabilitate ankle injuries, strengthen the muscles to prevent instability.

Ankle Instability

Ankle Instability

The entire body is an extensive, complicated, and interconnected system. Every part influences the next as individuals go about their everyday routines. Imbalances can occur in the spine, hips, legs, and knees, leading to limping, ankle pain, or injury. The most common causes of ankle instability include:

  • Poor foot or ankle mechanics
  • Knee or hip imbalances
  • Ankle sprains
  • Muscle strain
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Chronic inflammation from illness or injury.

Finding The Imbalances

Understanding where the imbalances are and systematically addressing them is the recommended course of action. If an ankle injury is present, local symptoms and dysfunction need to be addressed. However, it is important to assess other body areas to ensure any other dysfunctions are also addressed. This prevents unnecessary re-injury, aggravation, and other problems.

Chiropractic

One or more treatment options will be utilized for proper recovery when dealing with ankle instability.

  • Joint adjustments of the lower body and spine to support nerve and blood circulation.
  • Foot and ankle compression wraps.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Electrical stimulation.
  • Therapeutic massage of the injured and sore tissues.
  • Recommendations for activity modification to prevent unnecessary aggravation and increase stability.
  • Exercise and stretch training.
  • Health coaching on an anti-inflammatory diet and foods to promote recovery.

Chiropractic is recommended for determining any body imbalances that need to be addressed with high-quality research-based care and can expedite the recovery process.


Body Composition


Compression Garments and Socks

These were only used to treat individuals with circulatory problems but are now available to the public. Recovery is about giving the body a chance to relax, recuperate, and recover from swelling, with the objective to resume physical activity. Compression garments come in shirts, pants, sleeves, and socks. The garments and socks are used for quicker recovery time, improved circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles, and to reduce lactic acid build-up.

References

Anguish, Ben, and Michelle A Sandrey. “Two 4-Week Balance-Training Programs for Chronic Ankle Instability.” Journal of athletic training vol. 53,7 (2018): 662-671. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-555-16

Czajka, Cory M et al. “Ankle sprains and instability.” The Medical clinics of North America vol. 98,2 (2014): 313-29. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2013.11.003

Gribble, Phillip A. “Evaluating and Differentiating Ankle Instability.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,6 (2019): 617-627. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-484-17

Lubbe, Danella et al. “Manipulative therapy and rehabilitation for recurrent ankle sprain with functional instability: a short-term, assessor-blind, parallel-group randomized trial.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 38,1 (2015): 22-34. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.10.001

Trendelenburg Gait

Trendelenburg Gait

A Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal walking gait resulting from a defective or weakened hip abductor. The gluteal musculature is the primary musculature that includes the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. Weakness in these muscles causes sagging/dropping of the pelvis on the opposite side while walking. There will be a noticeable side-to-side motion if the glutes are too weak to support the body’s weight when walking. It can look as though the individual is limping or missing a step. Individuals can minimize the effects with foot orthotics, core strengthening, chiropractic, and physical therapy.

Trendelenburg Gait

Trendelenburg Gait Causes

This gait often results from straining the hip abductor muscles during physical activity. Exercises specifically for the glutes done improperly are a common cause. When improper exercise form is the cause, the abnormal gait usually goes away as muscle inflammation fades. The gait can also present after total hip replacement surgery, as the procedure requires incisions in the gluteus medius muscle. This can weaken the muscle causing an abnormal gait. Weakness in these muscles can also be caused by:

  • Nerve damage or dysfunction in the nerves that run through the gluteal minimus and medius muscles.
  • Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when joint cartilage starts to wear down.
  • Muscular dystrophy is a condition that causes the muscles and bones to become weak over time.
  • Poliomyelitis is a condition associated with polio that weakens the muscles.
  • Cleidocranial dysostosis is a condition present from birth that can cause your bones to develop improperly.

Symptoms

The walking gait is made up of two phases:

  • Swing – When one leg moves forward.
  • Stance – The other leg stays still and maintains balance.

The main symptom of Trendelenburg gait can be seen when one leg swings forward and the hip drops down and move outward. This is because the hip abductor of the other leg is too weak to support the weight. Individuals may lean back or to the side slightly when walking to maintain balance, or they may lift the foot higher off the ground with each step to avoid losing balance or tripping as the pelvis shifts unevenly.

Diagnosis

Abnormal hip movement during a swing of one or both legs can give a doctor enough evidence to diagnose a Trendelenburg gait. A doctor will observe the individual’s walk in front and behind to get a detailed view. A doctor will also use the Trendelenburg test to diagnose the condition. The doctor will instruct the individual to lift one leg for 30 seconds. If the individual cannot keep the hips parallel with the ground while lifting, it could indicate Trendelenburg gait. X-rays of the hip will be used to identify any causes of weakness in the gluteus minimus or medius.

Treatment Options

Treatment options will depend on the severity and cause of the gait.

Medication

  • If the gait is causing pain, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, will help ease symptoms.
  • In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe cortisone injections to help reduce pain.

Foot Orthotics

  • A doctor could also recommend using a foot orthotic in one or both shoes to compensate the hip abductor muscle weakness.

Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and Exercise

Chiropractic and physical therapy can help adjust, realign, and strengthen the muscles to regain control of the Trendelenburg gait. The chiropractor or physical therapist will move the legs in various directions to help the joints become more accustomed to moving in certain directions and increase muscle strength and resistance. Exercises that can strengthen the hip abductor muscles include:

  • Lie on the side and extend the leg straight out.
  • Lie on the floor and move one leg up, over the other, and back in the opposite direction.
  • Step sideways and onto an elevated surface, then back down again.

Talk with a doctor or chiropractor before beginning any new exercise routine so they can recommend specific exercises and educate on proper form.

Complications

If left untreated, moderate-to-severe cases of Trendelenburg gait can become debilitating, leading to severe complications. These include:

  • Pinched nerves.
  • Sciatica.
  • Pain, stiffness, or grinding in the hips.
  • Loss of range of motion in the hips and gait.
  • Losing the ability to walk, which could require the use of a walker or wheelchair.
  • Paralysis of the lower body.
  • Osteonecrosis or death of bone tissue.

Trendelenburg gait is treatable with special shoes, orthotics, and exercises designed to strengthen the hip abductor muscles. Chiropractic and physical therapy can help limit the condition’s impact on the body’s health, the ability to walk, and reduce the risk of complications.


Body Composition


Heart-Healthy Foods

Citrus

  • The bright and tangy fruits are packed with vitamins and unique plant compounds known as polyphenols that can help lower blood pressure naturally.
  • However, it’s important to note that grapefruit and grapefruit juice could interact with certain prescription medications.

Beans and Lentils

  • Foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber can help maintain healthy blood pressure.
  • This is where beans and legumes come in, as they are high in fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
  • Individuals that swapped beans and lentils noticed a lower blood pressure, whether or not they had been diagnosed with hypertension.

Pumpkin Seeds

  • These seeds are packed with potassium, magnesium, and arginine.
  • Arginine is an amino acid used to make nitric oxide, which helps the blood vessels relax and dilate, allowing lower blood pressure.
  • A study found that postmenopausal women who took 3 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily for six weeks saw a significant decrease in their systolic blood pressure.

Garlic

  • Garlic contains nitric oxide, which has been shown to relax blood vessels.
  • Kyolic garlic, in particular, has been shown to help with arterial stiffness and can improve cholesterol levels.
References

Feyh, Andrew et al. “Role of Dietary Components in Modulating Hypertension.” Journal of Clinical & experimental cardiology vol. 7,4 (2016): 433. doi:10.4172/2155-9880.1000433

Gait abnormalities. (n.d.).stanfordmedicine25.stanford.edu/the25/gait.html

Gandbhir, Viraj N., et al. “Trendelenburg Gait.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 19 August 2021.

Giangarra CE, et al. (2018). Clinical orthopedic rehabilitation: A team approach.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780323393706

Gilliss AC, et al. (2010). Use of osteopathic manipulative treatment to manage compensated Trendelenburg gait caused by sacroiliac somatic dysfunction.
jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2093879

Maricelli JW, et al. (2016). Trendelenburg-like gait, instability and altered step patterns in a mouse model for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2i. DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0161984

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Osteoarthritis.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/home/ovc-20198248

Michalopolous N, et al. (2016). A personalized monitoring and recommendation framework for kinetic dysfunctions: The Trendelenburg gait. DOI: 10.1145/3003733.3003786

The Effects of Low Laser Therapy on Repairing The Calcaneal Tendon | El Paso, TX

The Effects of Low Laser Therapy on Repairing The Calcaneal Tendon | El Paso, TX

The body is a well-working machine that can endure anything that is thrown in its way. However, when it gets an injury, the body’s natural healing process will ensure that the body can get back to its daily activities. The healing process of an injured muscle varies throughout the body. Depending on how severe the damage is and how long the healing process will take, the body can recover to a mere few days to a few months. One of the most gruelly healing processes that the body has to endure is a ruptured calcaneal tendon.

The Calcaneal Tendon

The calcaneal tendon or the Achilles tendon is a thick tendon that is located in the back of the leg. This muscle-tendon is what makes the body move while walking, running, or even jumping. Not only that, the calcaneal tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles at the heel bone. When the calcaneal tendon is ruptured, the healing process can last from weeks to months until it is fully healed. 

 

 

The Healing Effects of Low Laser Therapy

One of the ways that can help the damaged calcaneal tendons’ healing process is low laser therapy. Studies have shown that low laser therapy can speed up the damaged tendon repair after a partial lesion. Not only that but the combination of ultrasound and low laser therapy has been studied to be the physical agents for treating tendon injuries. The studies showed that the combination of low laser therapy and ultrasound has beneficial properties during the recovery process of treating calcaneal tendon injuries.

 

 

The study found that when patients are being treated for their calcaneal tendons, their hydroxyproline levels around the treated area are significantly increased with ultrasound and low laser therapy. The body’s natural biochemical and biomechanical structures on the injured tendon increase, thus affecting the healing process. Another study has shown that low laser therapy can help reduce fibrosis and prevent oxidative stress in the traumatized calcaneal tendon. The study even showed that after the calcaneal tendon is traumatized, inflammation, angiogenesis, vasodilation, and the extracellular matrix are formed in the affected area. So when patients are being treated with low laser therapy for about fourteen to twenty-one days, their histological abnormalities are alleviated, reducing collagen concentration and fibrosis; preventing oxidative stress from increasing in the body.

 

Conclusion

Overall, it is said that the effects of low laser therapy can help speed up the healing process of repairing the calcaneal tendon. The promising results have been proven since low laser therapy can help repair the damaged tendon, reducing oxidative stress and preventing fibrosis from escalating, causing more problems on the injured tendon. And with the combination of ultrasound, the calcaneal tendon can recover faster so the body can continue its everyday activities without any prolonged injuries.

 

References:

Demir, Huseyin, et al. “Comparison of the Effects of Laser, Ultrasound, and Combined Laser + Ultrasound Treatments in Experimental Tendon Healing.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15278933/.

Fillipin, Lidiane Isabel, et al. “Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Prevents Oxidative Stress and Reduces Fibrosis in Rat Traumatized Achilles Tendon.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2005, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16196040/.

Oliveira, Fla’via Schlittler, et al. Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy (830 Nm … – Medical Laser. 2009, medical.summuslaser.com/data/files/86/1585171501_uLg8u2FrJP7ZHcA.pdf.

Wood, Viviane T, et al. “Collagen Changes and Realignment Induced by Low-Level Laser Therapy and Low-Intensity Ultrasound in the Calcaneal Tendon.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20662033/.

Walking With Correct Posture

Walking With Correct Posture

Most individuals don’t think about how they walk or whether they are walking with the correct posture. Knowing how to walk with the proper technique and posture can help:

  • Ensure the bones and joints maintain proper alignment.
  • Decrease abnormal wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and ligaments from awkward positions.
  • Prevent neck, back, hip, and leg pain.
  • Reduce muscle aches and fatigue.
  • Reduce injury risk.
  • Improve balance, stability, and mobility.

Walking with the correct technique and posture is not complicated but requires individuals to stay aware of standing and moving.

Walking With Correct Posture

Correct Posture

Walking is a physical activity that involves the whole body. It helps to focus on each part of the body to understand how to walk correctly fully.

Head-Up

  • Focus on standing straight with the chin parallel to the ground and ears aligned above the shoulders.
  • Imagine the head being pulled gently upwards by an invisible string attached to the sky/ceiling.
  • This can help prevent dropping the head into the chest while walking.
  • Maintain eyes forward and gaze.
  • Focus on an area about 10 to 20 feet ahead when walking.

Straighten and Extend the Spine

  • Focus on extending the spine while walking.
  • Avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward. This stresses the back muscles.

Relaxed Shoulders Down and Back

The shoulders have a role with posture and technique. Shoulders that are tense or hunched forward can strain the muscles and joints in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. When walking, perform the following:

  • Raise the shoulders as high as they will go in a shrugging motion, then let them fall and relax.
  • Shoulder shrugs will help relieve tightness or tension.
  • This places the shoulders in a natural position that allows for easy arm movement.
  • Keep the shoulders loose and relaxed.
  • Shoulder shrugs while walking can help ensure that the shoulders are relaxed and in the correct position.

Swing the Arms

Walking correctly can be helped by gently swinging the arms back and forth at the sides.

  • Make sure to swing the arms from the shoulders, not from the elbows.
  • Do not swing the arms across the body.
  • Do not swing the arms up too high.
  • Keep them around the midsection, not around the chest.

Engage the Body’s Core

The core muscles have an essential role and help the body move with ease.

Step Heel to Toe

Step in a steady heel-to-toe gait.

  • The foot should hit the ground with the heel first.
  • Then roll through the heel to the toes.
  • Push out of step with the toes.
  • Avoid flat-footed steps and/or landing with the toes first.

Injury Prevention

To prevent injury or overuse wear and tear on the muscles and joints, it is recommended to avoid the following:

Looking down too frequently

  • Looking down at the ground or phone too much places unnecessary strain on the neck.

Do not take long strides

  • The power comes from pushing off of the rear leg.
  • Overstriding places stress on the lower leg joints.

Rolling or swinging the hips

  • The hips should stay as level as possible.

Slouching

  • This will help avoid back and shoulder strain.

Wearing the wrong shoes

  • Wear the right shoes when walking for more than a few minutes.
  • Shoes should fit comfortably.
  • Provide arch and heel support.
  • Well-cushioned to absorb the shock of the feet hitting the ground.

Benefits of Correct Posture

The physical and mental benefits of proper posture and optimal walking technique include:

Alleviation of muscle and joint pain

  • Walking properly will avoid placing unnecessary stress and strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints.

Increased energy

  • Walking with incorrect/awkward posture can wear out the muscles faster, whereas walking with proper form helps conserve energy.

Improved breathing

  • Walking with the shoulders back allows the lungs to fill and expand fully. This makes breathing more manageable and efficient.

Improved circulation

  • When the body is properly aligned and moving correctly, it’s easier for the blood to circulate throughout the body.

Digestion improvement

  • When the internal organs are not compressed from awkward postures, the body digests food more efficiently and increases blood flow to the digestive tract.

Enhanced core strength

  • The abdominal muscles gain strength and power from walking correctly.

Reduced headaches

  • Keeping the head straight, not bending forward, can help reduce neck strain, leading to reduced headaches.

Improved balance

  • Correct posture improves balance and less prone to falling.

Correct gait and posture are not complicated but do take some practice to develop healthy habits. For any issues with gait or back problems, talk to a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor about technique improvement.


Body Composition


Ten-Thousand Steps Speed and Distance

Before deciding to put in the walking distance and time, speed also needs to be considered. Calories burned from walking depend on the intensity, or speed, of the walk. The average walking speed is about 3 miles per hour and the number of calories burned depends on walking speed.

  • A leisure 30-minute walk at two mph yields a burn of 102 calories
  • Moderate intensity of 3.5 mph in the same 30-minute walk increases to burn 157 calories.
  • The faster the pace, the greater the heart rate.
  • The more calories are burned covering the same distance.
  • However, reaching 10,000 steps can almost entirely be irrelevant if not careful with a stable caloric intake.
References

Buldt, Andrew K et al. “The relationship between foot posture and lower limb kinematics during walking: A systematic review.” Gait & posture vol. 38,3 (2013): 363-72. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.01.010

Common posture mistakes and fixes. (2019). nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/common-posture-mistakes-and-fixes/

The cost of being on your toes. (2010). Archive.unews.utah.edu/news_releases/the-cost-of-being-on-your-toes/

Hackford, Jessie et al. “The effects of walking posture on affective and physiological states during stress.” Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry vol. 62 (2019): 80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.09.004

Perfecting your walking technique. (n.d.). health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/perfecting-your-walking-technique

Proper walking technique. (n.d.). mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/proper-walking-technique/img-20007670

Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body

Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body

The feet are the foundation of the body. The feet carry the body’s entire weight allowing for movement with ease. The feet are a complex structure that consists of:
  • Bones
  • Joints
  • Muscles
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Nerve endings
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body
 
Because of this, the feet are a high-impact area taking the everyday forces that come from:
  • Balancing
  • Walking
  • Running
  • Stopping
  • Twisting
  • Shifting positions
  • Tiptoe reaching

Common Symptoms

Symptoms commonly caused by foot issues include:
  • Soreness
  • Stiffness
  • Leg pain
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Poor balance
Flat feet, fallen arches, injuries, bone spurs, and other issues can cause problems with the rest of the body. The most common are:

Back Problems

When foot issues are present it’s common to change walking postures to avoid pain and discomfort. Individuals often do not realize they are doing it until the awkward postures begin to present with pain and discomfort. Overcompensation combined with unhealthy walking patterns can cause back pain. This is because the spine is becoming misaligned. Balance of the body is crucial. When something shifts the proper balance, the whole spine can shift out of alignment. This is especially true for individuals with flat feet. Flat feet can cause the ankle/s to lose alignment. This leads to problems up the body, from the knees to the hips to the spine and neck.  

Joint Pain

Imbalances cause the feet and spine to not absorb shocks from everyday activity properly. This means the rest of the body, especially the joints, have an added job of absorbing the shock/impact. As time goes on the stress and shock can lead to severe ankle, knee, hip discomfort/pain, and malfunctions.  

Posture Imbalance

These misalignments cause imbalance and posture problems. When the feet have lost the proper anchoring and alignment, overall posture and balance become affected. This increases the risk for dangerous slip and fall accidents that can exacerbate or cause new injuries. Posture problems are usually the result of the body trying to redistribute weight to reduce the pain and because it works then becomes a bad habit.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Problems/Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Entire Body
 

Referred and Radiating Pain

The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet connect to the rest of the body. Any pain/issues like calf pain or weakness in the feet can begin to present in the lower leg since that is where the soft tissue is most closely connected.  
 

Foot Problems/Issues

The most common foot problems podiatrists see that lead to the aforementioned ailments.  

Flat Feet

Flat feet also known as fallen arches. This is a condition where the feet lack or have lost the arch when standing. This can be quite uncomfortable and creates weight distribution problems. It can be a genetic condition but is also be the result of wearing shoes without arch support for a prolonged time.  

Corns and Bunions

Corns are round circles of thick skin on the toes, or on the soles of the feet. The body forms them naturally to prevent blisters, but they could be the result of poorly fitting shoes. Typically they are not painful when they form, but can become irritated over time. Bunions are bumps on the side of the big toe that can cause a bending inward toward the other toes, creating a painful angle. This can cause severe irritation and inflammation in the bump and toes. These can be genetic or caused by structural problems. But they can be caused by tight-fitting shoes or excess pressure on the feet for prolonged periods.  

Hammertoe

Hammertoe, also known as mallet toe, is a condition that makes one or more of the toes pointing down rather than straight. Walking can cause pain, and movement of the toe can reduce or stop completely. This is caused by arthritis or an injury, it can be genetic, or the result of poor footwear.  

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition causes pain that goes from the bottom of the heel to the middle of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament also located in this area. There is a wide range of pain levels that can range from dull to stabbing. It is often caused by poor footwear with no arch support that has been worn for long periods when walking, standing, and running. Weight gain is another cause, as the added weight could be too much for the foot to manage, causing strain.  

Shoes

Individuals that wear high heels, shoes that are the wrong size, or other uncomfortable footwear consistently will more likely develop the aforementioned issues. Shoes with proper support are essential to optimal foot and body health because they evenly distribute the weight of the body lessening the impact from everyday activities.  

Foot Orthotics

Another recommended option for alleviating foot issues is custom foot orthotic inserts. These can be fit into any shoe, and are customized to an individual’s feet. They’re affordable, and allow individuals to wear their shoes without pain.  

Chiropractic & Physical Therapy

Chiropractic and physical therapy can help alleviate the pain that is resultant from foot problems. Seeing a podiatrist can treat the root cause of the condition, but the rest of the body could need chiropractic readjusting from the misalignment/s.

Custom Orthotics


  Heat-related illnesses vary in their severity, but even light symptoms need immediate action to correct the problem before it does become severe.  

Heat cramps

When exercising in the heat painful cramps can present. The affected muscle/s might feel hard, spasm, or generate sharp pain. The body temperature could still be within normal limits.  

Heat syncope

Syncope is a loss of consciousness, that is usually recognized as exercise-related collapse. However, before this happens, there may be a feeling of lightheadedness or fainting. This happens when temperatures are high and the individual has been standing or exercising for a long time. The same can occur when standing up quickly after sitting for a long time.  

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when the body temperature exceeds normal limits and rises as high as 104. This can cause nausea, weakness, cold, fainting, headaches, and vomiting. The body continues to sweat, but the skin may feel cold and clammy.  

Heatstroke and Sunstroke

Heat exhaustion untreated leads to heatstroke or sunstroke. The body’s core temperature is greater than 104 degrees and in a life-threatening emergency. The skin is no longer capable of sweating and can feel dry or moist. Individuals can become confused, irritable, and experience heart arrhythmias. Immediate medical emergency treatment is necessary to stop brain damage, organ failure, and death.  

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico  
References
Joint Bone Spine. (December 2014) “Effects of unstable shoes on chronic low back pain in health professionals: A randomized controlled trial” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1297319X14001456 Your Foot Type Matters: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. (July 2018) “Association between the hyper-pronated foot and the degree of severity of disability in patients with non-specific low back pain” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859217303388 How to Find the Right Shoes: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. (December 2001) “Biomechanical effects of wearing high-heeled shoes” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169814101000385
Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

One of the most likely causes of foot/heel pain is inflamed plantar fascia, which causes plantar fasciitis. It can be a painful and common injury from overuse of the ligaments in the foot. When this pain presents, it can make an individual not want to walk or place any type of pressure on the feet, as the pain worsens with pressure or impact on the foot. �

Chiropractic care doesn�t just treat the spine but can help with various other musculoskeletal issues throughout the body. With chiropractic adjustments, rest, icing, and exercises, the ligaments, and tissues of the feet are worked out, massaged, and stretched back to their normal range.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

Plantar Fascia

There is a ligament called the plantar fascia. It runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel. The plantar fascia absorbs shock and helps support the feet when walking. However, ligament tension can begin to increase, specifically when standing for long periods. When the tension reaches its limit, small tears can begin to form along with inflammation causing pain.

The pain occurs when walking, standing, or immediately after waking up. The condition can happen to anyone but is more likely to become an issue for those who stand or walk as a regular part of their job, home activity, etc. Side effects from the foot pain often cause individuals to adjust their walking gait to avoid feeling discomfort, that stresses the rest of the body like the muscles, ligaments, joints that can lead to various types of injury/s. �

Chiropractic Treatment

Individuals with an inflamed plantar fascia often experience a shooting/stabbing pain that worsens in the morning or after standing or sitting for an extended time. Repetitive impact on the feet and poor arch support from shoes cause small tears to happen over time from the continued stress. If it has just started the pain can be treated with ice and rest, but they are not for solving the root cause. Chiropractic can help bring pain relief that lasts along with recurrence prevention. Here are some a few ways a chiropractor can help: �

Ankle Re-alignment

  • Ankle misalignment can contribute to plantar fasciitis at the plantar fascia has to work harder to move the foot without the ankle’s support. Manipulation and realignment of the ankle will improve foot function.

Massage

  • A chiropractor along with a physical therapy team can be utilized for soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy to release tension.

Exercises and Stretches

 

  • Various stretching and exercising techniques can be implemented to help speed up the healing process. A chiropractor will work the individual through exercises and stretches designed to relieve inflammation and stretch out the tissue. Specific exercises will also be taught to help strengthen the lower leg muscles to stabilize the heel and help prevent pain.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

Posture

  • A chiropractor will correct any improper posture/s that has contributed to the foot pain or has become a way of being able to function as a result of the pain. This will return the individual to a normal gait when walking and running. Pressure on the feet and plantar fascia will be alleviated.

Spinal/Hip Re-alignment

  • Individuals learn to avoid pain by walking/moving in a different way than how the body is supposed to. This results in pain in the hips and back, as the body is being pulled in various ways. Manipulation and mobilization will be used to realign the body to its proper form.

Footwear/Orthotics

  • A chiropractor will make adjustments to the feet, ankles, and spine to reduce pain and relieve the pressure on the plantar fascia. Supportive footwear and orthotics could be recommended for extended/preventative care. Once diagnosed with a foot problem wearing proper shoes that support the feet is essential.
  • Orthotics can also help prevent injury to the back, joints, and muscles that were stretched or over-worked from an abnormal gait. When the pressure is relieved, the ligament starts to heal. This can take a few weeks. The result is a healthier heel/foot with proper function. Chiropractic can accelerate the healing process combined with home care. If pain is presenting in the heel, do not delay and focus on healing the foot.

Reduce Plantar Fasciitis

 


Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Goff, James D, and Robert Crawford. �Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.��American family physician�vol. 84,6 (2011): 676-82.

Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics

Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics

Few individuals realize they have problems with their feet. Flat feet can cause anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. This is a condition where the pelvis tilts too far forward or too far backward. Individuals can go through their entire life without realizing they have some type of foot issue. This can cause poor support in the lumbar spine generating back problems and chronic illness. The problem with foot issues is that it can set-up a chain of physiological deficiencies. This can include:
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics
 
Many accept these health issues as part of their normal physiology. However, flat-feet and other related musculoskeletal issues can be identified and corrected with proper support. Custom Foot Orthotics for the foot issue/s and chiropractic alignment for the whole-body. Based on the assessment of the spinal curvature and posture of the individual, a chiropractor will be able to determine to what degree the pelvic tilt and foot problem/s need to be corrected.

Foot Orthotic Support

How orthotics function to promote proper posture and alleviate back pain works like this.
  • First, immediate support to the feet that are weakened, unbalanced, and lack physiological strength is provided. This generates proper posture and balance all the way up the spine.
  • Second, the feet are able to remodel themselves over time as they become accustomed to the new support.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Anterior/Posterior Pelvic Tilt Prevention with Chiropractic Foot Orthotics
 

Pelvic Tilt Identification

Chiropractors utilize orthotics when correcting anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. This is because the conditions are the direct result of a poor/weakened foundation. When there is little or no natural arch of the foot there is no support for the: The lower body needs this support from these various muscle groups with many in the lower back. This causes strain on these muscles and causes pelvic and potential spinal misalignment. Depending on the progress of the tilt/misalignment and posture, will aid a chiropractor to determine the best treatment approach.  
 

Rebuilding

Chiropractic adjustments will be able to restore the lumbar support that was weakened or lost from foot issues. A chiropractor will go to the source or root of the problem. Foot orthotics can be a primary tool for re-training the feet for proper support. These orthotics are custom modeled to an individual�s feet. This promotes spinal and pelvic wellness combined with the right amount of support required for each foot. Over time, and as the feet remodel themselves the custom orthotics can also be remodeled allowing for continuous improvement. With time it�s possible for many to accomplish the restoration of the body’s musculoskeletal health. These include:
  • Strengthened foot arches
  • Stress and muscle tension alleviation
  • A re-trained proper lower back support
  • Restoration of proper spinal curvature
  • Correct and retrain anterior/posterior pelvic tilting habits

Custom Foot Orthotics

Foot orthotics require no effort. An individual just puts them in their footwear and done. The orthotics do the work for the individual when standing, walking, or running. If diagnosed with a pelvic tilt condition or are unsure if there is a tilt, contact a chiropractor about the benefits of foot orthotics.

Benefits of Functional Foot Orthotics

 

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Betsch, Marcel, et al. �Influence of foot positions on the spine and pelvis.� Arthritis care & research�vol. 63,12 (2011): 1758-65. doi:10.1002/acr.20601