“What does Foot Month have to do with Chiropractic care?” you ask.

Well, the feet are integral to Chiropractic, because they form the foundation of our kinetic chain. The spinal column rests on the sacrum, which articulates with the bones that form the hip joints, which connect to the thigh, knees, legs, ankles, and ultimately THE FEET.

If this sounds like the Dem Bones song that we sang as children, then you’re right! Movements (or lack thereof) in one part of the body can have an affect in an area that it’s ultimately connected to – this is the concept of the kinetic chain.  And, a small change in one part of the chain can have an effect elsewhere.

Maintaining Spinal Mobility

This underlines the importance of maintaining good spinal mobility, posture, removing subluxations (areas of restricted spinal motion), and supporting our foundation properly.  With Foot Levelers Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers, it’s easier than ever to correct postural problems of the foot and maintain the health of our arches.  Together, chiropractic adjustments and a secure foundation to our kinetic chain can help to keep the body biomechanically sound.

The foot bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone, the knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone…

Last spring and summer, Foot Levelers sandals with built-in orthotics were so popular they became hard to get.

For the Spring 2010, Foot Levelers is introducing the new CAOS (Custom Adjustable Orthotic Sandal) for women seeking good support in an easy-on, comfy sandal.  Open-toed like a flip-flop, the CAOS fits like an athletic shoe for all day comfort and support.

Foot Levelers has also teamed with Naot to bring contemporary orthotic sandals to men and women.  This new footwear offers the same option of custom orthotic support in a stylish, qaulity leather sandal.

Treat Your Feet

Most people who have their feet scanned exhibit some degree of pronation or dropping of the arches.  This change is usually on both feet, but not symmetrical.  When one foot and ankle moves differently the effect travels up the leg and can affect the spine.  Having your feet scanned, then supporting your feet with custom made inserts helps your feet, ankles, legs, and hips maintain a level foundation for your pelvis, and ultimately the rest of your spine.  Foot Levelers’ custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers can help reduce postural stress and maintain your body’s natural state of alignment.

At Matthews Chiropractic Center Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers are a tool that we use to maintain proper spinal alignment between chiropractic adjustments and promote joint health whenever the feet hit the ground.  If you are interested in having your feet scanned or learning more about Foot Levelers, please contact us at info@matthewschiro.com or 704-841-3833.

Hopefully many of you are learning the importance of maintaining a healthy spine. Something that I haven’t yet discussed in this space is the importance of our spine’s foundation… our feet. With the spring upon us and many outdoor sports and activities starting again, this is a great time to check the health of our feet and arches.

The feet form the foundation of the skeleton in the same way that a foundation provides a steady platform on which a house can be built. If there is a problem with the foundation, then the structure above may lack stability/balance and be prone to excessive wear and tear/degeneration. In our bodies, improper support of the feet can affect the ankle, knee, hips, pelvis, low back and up the spine. So, the importance of a solid foundation can not be understated.

Supporting the Alignment of Your Feet

The more you move and exercise, the greater the importance of good support and alignment of the feet. Every time the foot strikes the ground information is transmitted to the ankle and up to the spine to inform the body of the foot’s position in space, so that our bodies can maintain balance and know how the position the foot and ankle for the next step. Imagine the number of times that the feet hit the ground when you go for a jog or track down a fly ball for example. Moving over unlevel ground (cross country, rounding the bases) or running while avoiding obstacles (basketball, soccer, football, field hockey) put even greater demands on the feet and ankles.

Foot Levelers has devised the following screening to determine if you might benefit from custom made spinal pelvic stabilizers:

1. Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than 4 hours daily?
2. Do you participate regularly in any physical sport?
3. Have you had a prior injury to your knee, back, or neck?
4. Do your shoes/sneakers wear unevenly?
5. Do you have joint pain while standing, walking, or running?
6. Is one of your legs shorter than the other?
7. Do you have knock-knees or bow legs?
8. Do you have obvious foot problems (bunions, corns, etc.)?
9. Do your feet “toe out” when you’re walking?
10. Do either or both feet appear “flat” with no arch support or extra high in the arch area (strong arch)?

Find Balance

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be a good candidate for Foot Levelers custom-made stabilizers. Whether your feet need improved support or if you simply desire custom fitting, Foots Levelers offers a full line of products including Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers, Shoethotics, and Sandalthotics to help put the spring back in your step. At Matthews Chiropractic Center, we offer custom scanning of your feet and the full catalog of Foot Levelers products. Come in today to have your feet scanned, so you can be more comfortable in all your spring activities.

Dr. Leibman will be conducting a free foot screening at the Matthews Vitamin Shoppe on Saturday, April 18th from 11am until 1pm.

*Images provided by Caselet & Joel Bedford respectively.