Foot Levelers

Leading Provider of Custom Orthotics

Category: Health & Wellness (Page 2 of 5)

Chiropractic care plus custom orthotics have been proven to help greatly enhance body wellness and overall health.

Everyone is Crooked

Addressing Functional Scoliosis Through Foot Stabilization

10:00 am /

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month. So, in the spirit of education, detection, and fostering more awareness of scoliosis, let’s understand how chiropractic plays such an important role in this condition. Recall that the classic “structural scoliosis” is a sideways, abnormal curvature of the spine that can range from being hardly noticeable to so severe it affects people’s posture and height. The appearance of scoliosis is generally in 3 forms:

  1. The spine could curve to the side as a single curve to the left (levoscoliosis)
  2. The spine could curve to the side as a single curve to the right (dextroscoliosis)
  3. The spine could involve two curves (shaped like the letter S).

Structural scoliosis causes can be from certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, birth defects affecting the development of the bones of the spine; injuries to or infections of the spine; or spinal cord abnormalities. read more

3Arch Advantage with Custom Orthotics

Orthotics vs. Inserts: What Is the Difference?

3:32 pm /

Orthotics for shoes and inserts should not be confused with one another, as there are some crucial differences. Unlike inserts, Foot Levelers orthotics are custom-made for your body and feet, based on scans and doctor exams. Orthotics can manage foot disorders and posture problems, and they generally last much longer-lasting than insoles.

Over-the-counter insoles are available in stores and pharmacies. They are made from gel, foam, and other materials, and these insoles can provide good shock absorption and cushion. However, inserts cannot treat or prevent foot disorders, such as over-pronation or alignment issues. Moreover, since inserts are not custom-made for your specific feet, wearing them could cause pain and discomfort over time. read more

Home cooking with Mom and daughter

Your Home Does Not Protect You From Overpronating

3:30 pm /

The importance of custom stabilization inside and out

It is a privilege helping patients understand the role the feet play in overall body stability. On a daily basis, we have opportunities to explain to patients about the presence of the three arches of the foot, the existence of excessive foot pronation and the subsequent effects on the axial kinetic chain of the body. We see patients’ eyes light up when they finally understand that their feet (which often are not hurting them) are a root cause or contributory factor to so many aches and pains people seek treatment for. read more

Four Steps to Success in Teaching Patients the Foot-Spine Connection

10:45 am /
Crooked Man body stresses

It’s a marvel how little patients understand about the bodies they inhabit. In the healthcare arena, pain and discomfort are big factors for going to the typical medical doctor. Most patients have been trained to seek this type of healthcare practitioner from their early days of going to the pediatrician and then to their adult GP. It comes as no surprise to us that patients become frustrated when they are told to take medication, give it 4-6 weeks of rest, or get referred for therapy and exercises that don’t work as well as the patient hopes. They feel like they are spinning their wheels. read more

3 Arch Support

All Orthotics are NOT Created Equal

2:10 pm /

Custom Orthotics vs. Generic Insoles

By Kevin Wong

One of the biggest challenges I have found over the last 25 years with being an extremity-based doctor is the general lack of public knowledge regarding the feet and how they affect the rest of the body. Starting from a very young age, we are not properly taught about our anatomy and how different body parts work with and affect each other. This comes into play when incorporating the use of orthotics into patient care.

When patients need medical care, the majority of them will begin with allopathic medicine. This is because they believe that pain is the indicator of when to seek treatment.  It’s common to only treat the pain of conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Achilles tendonitis, rather than identifying and correcting the foot/arch dysfunction and biomechanical problems that are their underlying cause. Interestingly enough, many patients with faulty foot biomechanics live their lives without having any foot pain at all. However, in my experience I have seen that upwards of 87% of all human beings in a standing posture exhibit signs of flat or pronating feet that that can lead to pain and disfunction in the knees, hips, pelvis, neck, and spine. Even common conditions like shin splints and sprained ankles can stem from unhealthy foot function. read more

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs

Plantar Fasciitis vs. the Heel Spur: How Are These Conditions Related?

2:15 pm /

Are you experiencing foot pain near a joint that worsens with movement? You could be suffering from tendinitis. Tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis) is inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick, fibrous cords that connect your muscles to your bones. The condition can cause dull, aching pain, tenderness, and mild swelling around a joint and can affect your ability to partake in certain activities.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the various types of tendinitis, what causes them, and, most importantly, how they can be treated so you can get back to doing all of the things you love. Let’s get started.

achilles tendinitis

Tendinitis: Types of Tendinitis, Causes, and Treatment

2:38 pm /

Are you experiencing foot pain near a joint that worsens with movement? You could be suffering from tendinitis. Tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis) is inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick, fibrous cords that connect your muscles to your bones. The condition can cause dull, aching pain, tenderness, and mild swelling around a joint and can affect your ability to partake in certain activities.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the various types of tendinitis, what causes them, and, most importantly, how they can be treated so you can get back to doing all of the things you love. Let’s get started.

3 Arch Support

All Orthotics are NOT Created Equal

4:00 pm /

Custom Orthotics vs. Generic Insoles

By Kevin M. Wong, DC

One of the biggest challenges I have found over the last 25 years with being an extremity-based Chiropractor is the general lack of public knowledge regarding the feet and how they affect the rest of the body. Starting from a very young age, we are not properly taught about our anatomy and how different body parts work with and affect each other. This comes into play when incorporating the use of orthotics into Chiropractic care.

When patients need medical care, the majority of them will begin with allopathic medicine. This is because they believe that pain is the indicator of when to seek treatment.  It’s common to only treat the pain of conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Achilles tendonitis, rather than identifying and correcting the foot/arch dysfunction and biomechanical problems that are their underlying cause. Interestingly enough, many patients with faulty foot biomechanics live their lives without having any foot pain at all. However, in my experience I have seen that upwards of 87% of all human beings in a standing posture exhibit signs of flat or pronating feet that that can lead to pain and disfunction in the knees, hips, pelvis, neck, and spine. Even common conditions like shin splints and sprained ankles can stem from unhealthy foot function. read more

Foot-Friendly Flip-Flops

2:39 pm /

Why summer feet need stability and support

Flip-flops, also known as thong sandals, are a summer staple for men and women of all ages. Many people who live in warm climates wear them every day. It’s no wonder flip-flops are a favorite – they’re sporty and stylish, light and cool, and quick and easy to take on and off.

The most popular flip-flops are the generic, inexpensive ones sold over the counter (we’ve probably all got a pair – or more, in our closet). These are made of thin, cheap materials and feature a flat sole with no arch support or shock absorption. They provide little to no stability for the foot and ankle. Even in the short-term, wearing generic flip-flops stresses the joints in the ankles, knees, hips and lower back, and can increase your risk for injuries and painful conditions like plantar fasciitis. Here’s how: read more

Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain (Cervical Kyphosis)

12:52 pm /

How Forward Head Posture Affects Your Spine

Your time on digital devices can hurt your health – addressing tech neck with custom orthotics will help

These days, cell phones are used for much more than just making calls. They’re multi-tasking tools used in place of watches, alarm clocks and maps. Are you among the 63% of Americans who keeps their cellphones within arm’s reach at all times, and checks them hourly (or more)?1 Handheld digital devices like cell phones sure make life a lot more convenient. But the way we use them can cause undue stress on our bodies. Over time, that stress can lead to pain and increase your risk for a neck injury. read more

Heel Spur relief

Healing the Pain of Heel Spurs

3:59 pm /
Heel Spur relief
Are you looking for relief from a painful heel spur?

What is a heel spur? 
A heel spur is a bone growth that develops on the back or bottom of the heel. While anyone could get a spur on the heel, they’re more common in women than men and in people aged 40 or older.1  
 
Heel spur pain can vary from a sharp, stabbing sensation to a mild ache. In many cases, spurs on the heel are present for some time but don’t hurt until they grow to the point that they press on the nerves and soft tissue of the foot. 
 
Dorsal spurs form on the back of the heel, and plantar spurs appear at the bottom. It’s possible to have multiple spurs on one heel. 
 
What causes heel spurs? 

These factors increase the risk:  read more

Overpronation

Overpronation – Feet Don’t Have to Hurt to be Hurting the Rest of Your Body

5:42 pm /
Overpronation and flat feet affects the whole body

You are probably an overpronator and don’t know it! Overpronation is a common and natural condition where the feet roll excessively inward every time you take a step. Most people overpronate to some degree, and a slight inward motion is part of the foot’s proper gait cycle. However, during overpronation, both the degree of the inward angle and length of time the foot is in that position is too much for the body to support naturally.  

Your feet may not hurt, but overpronation is throwing your whole body off balance with every step. When your ankles, knees, hips and back are out of alignment, the excessive stress and wear can cause pain. Over time, it can even lead to injuries. To get to the real source of the issue, start with your body’s foundation – the feet.   read more

Supination severity diagram

Down and dirty differences between pronation vs supination?

11:51 am /
Supination severity diagram
Diagram showing difference between supination vs pronation.
Illustration: © 2014 Dennis Homack, DC, MS, CCSP

It is extremely rare for someone’s feet and their stride to be perfectly balanced and equally weighted. Some people have feet that visibly turn inward or outward, while others have a subtler inner or outer weight distribution.

It’s hard to see, unless you look at the bottom of your shoes or have your feet scanned with the Foot Levelers Kiosk or other Foot Levelers scanning technology. (Click here to find a provider near you.)

Pronation vs Supination

When bodyweight is placed on the outside of the foot while walking or running, it is known as supination. When the weight is placed more on the inside of the foot, it’s referred to as pronation. An easy way to differentiate and remember the difference is that supination has “up” in the word. In a proper stride, the foot should move from heel to toe with a person’s bodyweight evenly distributed on their feet, giving them neutral pronation. read more

flat feet infographic

How to Ease Pain Caused by Flat Feet and Arthritis

10:23 am /

Many people think they are born with flat feet and that some people are simply, flat-footed. While it’s true that some people are flat-footed for most of their life, over time we all become more and more flat-footed since our arches collapse as we age. It’s possible that someone with flat feet feels no pain. However, if your arches collapse over time, causing your feet to become flatter, you will likely experience pain and discomfort.

Arthritis is another contributing factor to foot pain (as well as pain in other joints throughout the body), and flat feet and arthritis are often co-occurring issues. What many people do not realize when they are experiencing pain is that the source of their pain could be their feet, even if they’re having knee, hip, or neck pain. So, let’s discuss how custom orthotics are one of the best ways to ease pain caused by flat feet and/or arthritis. read more

best orthotics

Why Foot Levelers Custom Orthotics are the Best

5:52 pm /

The best custom orthotic

When you’re seeking out the best orthotics, whether you’re a healthcare provider looking for a reliable orthotics supplier, or a patient looking for pain relief, Foot Levelers is your best option. Let’s explore some of those reasons.

Results

Our patented orthotics get results. Noticeable, long-lasting results.

Foot Levelers is a family-owned company that was born in 1952 when Dr. Monte H. Greenawalt invented Stabilizing Orthotics (that’s the technical name of our orthotics, more on that later). read more

3 Causes of Knee Pain and How to Get Relief

1:06 pm /

3 Causes of knee painAccording to WebMD,

Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint that brings people to their doctor.

The knee, in addition to bending and straightening hundreds of times each day, carries all of the weight of our body along with our hips and ankles. The knee is also distinctly different from other joints of the body because it also twists and rotates, making it even more susceptible to injury and discomfort. Additionally, the knee is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and cartilage, so there are a lot of different areas that can be injured and irritated. read more

Opioid alternative through chiropractic adjustments and treatments

How Chiropractic Adjustments and Other​ Treatments Can Help the Opioid Epidemic

11:22 am /

Chiropractic is a drug-free approach to pain relief and pain management

Opioid alternative through chiropractic adjustments and treatments

Currently, more than 2 million Americans are dependent on opioids. For many people, their addiction stems from seeking pain management for an injury or chronic condition, such as back or knee pain. The opioid crisis has become a national emergency causing overdose remedies to be sold over-the-counter for greater availability. Although some opioid abusers turn to hard drugs like heroin, many people develop dangerous addictions to prescription drugs originally provided to them by doctors they trust for treatment. However, opioids are not the only option for treatment and seeking chiropractic care provide patients with pain relief, but also aids in reducing the negative effects of the opioid epidemic on American society. read more

Whole Body Health with Custom Orthotics

Have Low Back Pain? Look to Custom Orthotics First

4:07 pm /
Whole Body Health with Custom Orthotics

At least 80% of the U.S. population will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime, and more than 3 million reported cases of lower back pain occur each year. Lower back pain is also one of the biggest reasons why people miss work due to the intensity and sometimes sudden onset of discomfort and pain. However, there is a solution that doesn’t include endless trips to the doctor, arguing with insurance agents, prescription medications, and inconvenient physical therapy appointments.

Understanding Low Back Pain read more

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