Chiropractors Can Help With Foot Problems
Whether it’s pain in the bottom of the foot or the heel, foot problems can make life miserable. Mobility, for most of us, is taken for granted. Losing the ability to jog, go for walks, shop, or play with kids or grandkids without pain in every step is devastating. Here at Robinson Natural Health Solutions we’ve solved these problems naturally, without drugs or surgery.
For Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs, most people are told that the fascia (thin connective tissue) and muscles have contracted and need to be stretched. That is partly correct. They often have gone through long periods of therapy with various levels of success, have been told to give up jogging or running and see their future limited. When you look at the mechanics of walking (gait), combined with the Applied Kinesiology evaluation which we do, you understand the cause of the problem and how it can be solved naturally. Understanding gait (mechanics of walking) and nerve innervation of muscles that stabilize joints is fundamental to understanding what allows this problem to manifest.
To understand how nerves control muscles and stabilize a joint, lets’ use the two examples of a biceps curl. One type curl is for the shoulder muscles to lock in place, holding the elbows in one place, while the biceps lift the weight. The weight is lifted out away from the body. The other way is to let the shoulder muscles move or give so that the elbows move backward and the weight is lifted close to the body. As we walk there are periods of locking and releasing of the muscles that stabilize the knees, ankles, feet and toes. Healthy feet are able to lock in place like the shoulder in the first example. Feet with heel spurs or plantar fasciitis always show weakness like the shoulder in the second example.
As we walk, we plant the heel, then foot, swing the other foot forward and roll off the first foot as we plant the other heel. When the foot is planted flat on the floor, the muscles should momentarily lock and stabilize the foot and toes. As the other foot swings forward the toes should release so you can roll off that foot. Problems occur when the muscles do not properly lock and stabilize the foot, arch, and toes. The result is the toes and front of the foot push up too soon causing stress on the ligaments and fascia, resulting in inflammation and pain.
Please understand it is not the kind of weakness that can be solved by simply going to the gym. This weakness is a disturbance in the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle. The result is a problem where the muscles do not fully contract and do not fully relax. The muscles are in a constant state of tension giving the impression that stretching the muscles and fascia will solve the problem. That is partly true but the muscle needs to be able to fully contract also. That will properly stabilize the joints and fascia so they do not become irritated and inflamed, causing pain and enlargement of the ligament attachment with resulting heel spur.
How can we determine that this weakness and tension is the problem? A simple Applied Kinesiology muscle test can determine the strength or weakness of these muscles. I can also use something called therapy localization to determine underlying causes of the weakness and point to a lasting solution.
If you are suffering from foot pain like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, if you see your mobility and future limited, give us a call. Take the first step to getting your life back. If you would like to see a chiropractor to address any issues you might have then please contact us!
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With over 35 years of service, Dr. Robinson’s education continues in the areas of functional neurology and functional medicine/nutrition. In addition to certification in multiple techniques, his continuing education includes over 200 hours of Functional Neurology in addition to 100 hours of Applied Kinesiology.