By Dr. Beau Horner
When we think about being at our best level of fitness we often overlook the importance of our feet and gait cycle. With respect to the foot, correcting misalignments and enhancing form and function allows athletes as well as non-athletes to work or perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Everyone can benefit when the foot and lower extremities are aligned, supported, mobile, and able to respond to outside forces.
What do we think about when studying the biomechanics of our gait? First, we consider the structure of the foot. The foot has three arches: the metatarsal arch, the medial longitudinal arch, and the lateral longitudinal arch. These arches absorb and transfer energy when we walk or run. Second, our movement from heel to toe-off is called a gait cycle. The first part of our gait, the heel strike, is important because it determines how forces are transferred in the foot. Often, when there are mechanical issues with the gait it can negatively impact lower extremity alignment like in our hips, knees, and ankles. If we have adequate support in the arches of our feet, like with a custom orthotic, there will be less strain on the lower extremities of the body.
Many lower extremity injuries like ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints can occur from having misalignments in the feet and a poor gait. Most of us have had an ankle sprain, which is the most common lower extremity injury. It usually happens from landing wrong on the foot or jumping poorly off the toe. Spraining your ankle just once increases your chances for more future ankle sprains. Therefore, examination and stabilizing of the foot structures is important when considering injuries like ankle sprains.
Custom orthotics is an effective way to address foot stability and support and can reduce the chances of injury to the lower extremities of the body. In my practice I have seen many athletes and non-athletes benefit form custom orthotics.
To inquire more regarding custom orthotics or other treatment options at our clinic, call 480-470-0133 or visit drbeauchiropractor.com.
Dr. Beau Horner is a licensed chiropractor. He provides patient-specific treatment plans that incorporate the use of chiropractic, physical therapy techniques, soft-tissue therapies, nutritional and ergonomic counseling, and home exercises to provide the most time-efficient and effective plan to treat patients with a variety of conditions. His office accepts insurance, personal injury, and accident cases.
