As the skeleton is interlinked it is possible to experience pain, either where the problem starts, or remotely in another part of the body. The feet are the foundation of the body.
If the foundations of a house are unstable, then cracks begin to appear elsewhere. When the feet roll out of their ideal 'neutral' position they cannot work properly. This leads to malalignment which transfers strain to other joints.
For further information just click on the appropriate pain bubble in the diagram below.
If you read the information about posture in the section about back pain you will realise that when the lower back is affected by the feet it must influence the whole of the spine. Indeed, many people with an imbalance have one shoulder higher than the other.
As individually prescribed orthotics correct posture, people frequently notice that their neck and shoulders relax as they never have before.
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The feet and ankles can have a very bad effect on posture if they are out of balance. The joints of the feet only work in the best way when both feet are in a 'neutral' position at the ankles.
The big toe joint in the ball of the foot locks during pronation. Posture therefore alters as a person leans forwards to overcome the locked joint. This puts a terrible strain on the back and increases the risk of disc problems and sciatica.
People are always surprised at the way orthotics effortlessly alter posture. The benefits of improved posture include 'tummy in' and 'chest out' in addition to a reduction in pain!
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Imagine a door hinge that is not straight. The woodwork starts to crack or the hinge distorts and creaks. Since the knee is a hinge joint, it must be facing forwards to function properly. As the feet flatten, or pronate, the ankles roll inwards and the knees turn towards one another. This causes unequal stresses within the knee and an unequal pull on the muscles and soft tissues around the joint.
Orthotics restore the ankles to their optimal 'neutral' position. When the ankles are in neutral the knees return to their natural position, facing forwards and therefore function better.
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Shin splints are familiar to many sports people. The pain usually begins after an increase in activity or training.
There are several possible reasons for the pain. Probably the most common causes are linked to overpronation or flat feet. This can lead to chafing of tendons in the leg or inflammation of the muscle where it joins to the shin bone. Correctly prescribed and fitted orthotics can control the excess movement of the foot joints and banish that pain.
There are a couple of shin conditions that would need the expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon and a podiatrist would refer you if conditions such as compartment syndrome or suspected stress fracture were diagnosed.
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Heel pain has many different causes. Most of them are a result of imbalance in the body and can be successfully treated with orthotics.
Is the pain excruciating when you get out of bed in the mornings? Worse when you've been on your feet for a while? All these details are important clues leading towards a diagnosis.
Examples of the heel conditions that can be treated, include the following: plantar fasciitis; achilles tendinitis; heel spur; sciatica.
Yes, sciatica is a form of back trouble. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine all the way down the leg to the heel. Sometimes the only bit that hurts is the heel, sometimes it's the thigh or buttock, but in all these cases balancing the body with orthotics usually reduces or relieves that pain!
A podiatrist should be able to find out whether your heel pain could be treated successfully with orthotics.
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Are you always buying another pair of shoes, thinking THIS pair will be different? Do you feel driven to take your shoes off in shop doorways or under the table because the pain is so bad?
You probably have a neuroma. This is a condition which causes pain or a burning sensation in one or both feet or the toes. People frequently think it is cramp and take their shoe off to wriggle the foot about a bit, hoping to get rid of the pain.
Help is at hand.
The reason for this pain or burning is that a nerve is getting trapped between the joints of the ball of the foot. This happens with certain foot types and the problem often runs in families.
Each time the nerve gets trapped it causes the pain. It is usually worse in shoes. Gradually the nerve begins to thicken to protect itself and a small lump forms. Of course this lump gets trapped even easier so the pain comes more often.
Orthotics are individually designed foot supports which help the foot to lock at the right time. This means that the nerve
can't get trapped any more and ALL THOSE SHOES ARE COMFORTABLE AGAIN.
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Orthotics can be made to your requirements: suitable for sports shoes, business shoes or even court shoes.
Diabetic patients may be susceptible to particular foot problems that require special care and understanding.
download
"The Role of the Podiatrist in the Prevention & Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathic Ulceration" by Fiona J Wilson RGN RM (5.3 MByte) in Adobe PDF format.
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