In daily clinical practice, we can utilize leg length checks on just about every patient presenting with lower extremity, spinal and upper extremity complaints. In our Foot Levelers community, we understand the role the feet play in many ailments that patients present with, and we know that foot function has a powerful influence on the entire body. The exposure that we have had with leg length discrepancy (LLD) beginning in chiropractic college and then expanding out into the seminars and classes we have taken during our years of practice offers solid support for how important LLD is in everyday patient care.
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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:
- The spine could curve to the side as a single curve to the left (levoscoliosis)
- The spine could curve to the side as a single curve to the right (dextroscoliosis)
- 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.
As chiropractors, many of you have embraced the latest state-of-the-art technologies in your practice that may include EHR software, cold lasers, massage guns, adjusting instruments, etc. There seems to always be some new gadget or gimmick out there that tries to hit us emotionally to make us purchase it. It’s crucial to know if a new piece of technology will be helpful and boost the success of our practice.
When Foot Levelers introduced the world’s first chiropractic foot scanner back in 2001, I was excited to learn about it and adopt it. Personally, I always gravitate towards new technology because it leads us into the future and keeps us on the cutting edge of knowledge. That original FAS SCAN was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the digital scanning technology that would follow in the years to come. Foot Levelers introduced the 3D Kiosk in 2017 and they have continued to enhance it.
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.
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.
Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy – A Conversation with Caitlin Haley Corona, DC
Dr. Caitlin Haley Corona became especially interested in addressing the unique Chiropractic benefits of pregnancy in 2019, when she was expecting herself. Now a mother of two, she has continued her education in pregnancy and pediatrics and is certified in the Webster Technique.
As a busy doctor at Bledsoe Chiropractic in Conway, AR, Dr. Corona treats women throughout all stages of pregnancy. In this blog, she shares her insights about the importance of Chiropractic care during pregnancy and after baby’s arrival.
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.
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.
What exactly are opioids, why are they being prescribed, and why are they so dangerous? Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with opioids being the most common type of drug involved.
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.
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.
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.
Speaker: Dr. Mark Charrette
Date: June 15, 2pm EST
This one-hour, continuing education, webinar will cover the causes, origins, detailed studies and statistics, and a chiropractic solution to the opioid crisis in the USA today. View Foot Levelers Webinars and register.
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:
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.
When you post on Facebook and Twitter, do you sit by and watch as the crickets play their tune (meaning you typically receive no shares and maybe a few likes)? It’s time you give your posts a boost to jump-start the organic share and interaction process and see some fruit from your labor.
One way to give your social media a marketing push is to make it extremely easy for your followers and clients to share your posts. Say you’re sending out an email newsletter that highlights a recent Facebook post or Tweet. Instead of the reader having to go through multiple steps to share your post, simplify the process by adding a “Share” button directly in your email, webpage, or PDF that provides a 1-click solution to open the social media’s share function for that specific post. Let’s get started!
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:
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.
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.
Baseball pitcher Roy Halladay died in a plane crash in 2017. Toxicology reports showed he had prescription medications in his system. ESPN is releasing a new documentary on Halladay's life. Foot Levelers is urging the public to seek out conservative care treatments prior to taking opioids.
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