Click Here: Neglected Relationship Between the Feet and the Spine

Click Here: Get Tested With Our Footleveler Unit Just Ask Dr. Nore

Often neglected is the importance of the feet to normal spinal function—especially in the lower back. When patients don’t respond as well as expected to their chiropractic care, a source of interference is frequently located in the pedal foundation.

No matter the cause, an abnormal gait contributes to musculoskeletal imbalances throughout the lower extremities, and eventually back pain develops.

Foot Levelers custom orthotics have been clinically proven to improve and manage as well as increase healing of low-back pain. Above are images from a Footlever scan showing a normal arch to severe flat feet. Click here for an explanation 

Often the addition of chiropractic care and wearing custom orthotics led to higher improvements in function. We recommend Footlevers and have their 3D scan unit. Improvements in pain and function is the result of pedal support and managing alignment and spinal balance with chiropractic care

Biomechanics of the feet

The foundation provided by the feet and legs must bear the weight of the entire body (and considerably more load during running and other sports). If there is insufficient or inadequate support from the pedal foundation, the spine will be exposed to abnormal stresses and strains that eventually develop into low back pain. Arch support is most important especially with flat feet.

Excessive stress on the spine can be the result of abnormal foot biomechanics, poor function of the foot-ankle complex, excessive shock transmission or leg length asymmetry. Recognizing and then responding appropriately to these factors separate the doctors of chiropractic from other healthcare providers.

When some joint of the foot is not moving properly (either insufficient or excessive joint motion) the resulting forces produce negative effects all along the kinetic chain. The following are some examples of common foot problems that have been found to interfere with spinal function:

First MTP Joint

When the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the first toe is stiff and doesn’t flex properly, the transition from midstance to toe-off is restricted. Studies have found that this movement limitation (called functional hallux limitus) is a major gait abnormality that causes lumbar stress. The best treatment for this condition is individually designed stabilizing orthotics that support the medial arch and yet still encourage motion at the first MTP joint.

Plantar Fasciitis 

When a patient complains of a sharp heel pain that radiates along the bottom of the inside of the foot, and especially when the pain is worse when getting out of bed in the morning, inflammation of the connective tissue that supports the underside of the foot must be considered, called Plantar Fasciitis. This causes a significant problem when walking.

 .

If there is no anterior arch to the foot, excessive weight bearing on the metatarsal heads will cause the transition from foot flat to toe-off to be painful. This alters the timing of the gait cycle, resulting in a rushed propulsion phase.

The effects are felt in the pelvis and spine, which are not able to move smoothly through the phases of gait. Orthotic support for the metatarsal arch can improve biomechanics in all weightbearing joints.

Foot and Ankle Function

The biomechanics of the foot and ankle are complex, and this region must handle repetitive physical forces. There is normally a smooth transition from pronation following heel strike to supination at toe-off. But when there is excessive pronation or fixed supination, gait is affected and the entire musculoskeletal system is less efficient.

In the case of excessive pronation, the entire lower extremity undergoes excessive medial (internal) rotation, which can cause a range of effects on the pelvis, sacroiliac joints and spine. Individually designed stabilizing orthotics work to restore and support proper foot function.

Shock Transmission and Asymmetry

Whether a foot tends toward hyperpronation or excessive supination, the result can be excessive shock transmitted into the spinal joints. “A high-arched foot with limited range of motion attenuates shock poorly,” as does a collapsed-arch (planus) foot. In either case, the forces are felt in the joints of the pelvis and spine.

Individually designed stabilizing orthotics with shock-absorbing materials can eliminate much of this damaging shock transmission.