Beaver Falls Chiropractor | Beaver Falls Newsletter Chiropractor | PA |

This month I would like to introduce my patients, their families, and their friends to a service that we offer in our practice that you may not be aware of.  This service involves fitting the feet with custom-made soft orthotics from a company called Foot Levelers.  We have the equipment that scans the feet in a standing weight-bearing position which helps us determine what type of soft orthotics to put in your shoes.

Orthotics can make a big difference in foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch pain, and other painful conditions of the feet.  Many patients, however, do not realize that soft custom-made foot orthotics can also significantly reduce pain associated with arthritis of the knee, hip and spine.  They can help by two mechanisms.

First, the orthotic is made from soft materials that provide shock absorption to your feet as you stand and walk.  You may think that your walking shoe provides enough shock absorption but if you remove the foam pad in your shoe you will realize that it is very thin and does not provide much support or shock absorption.  We have samples of orthotics in our office that will demonstrate the huge difference between what comes in your shoe and what is provided with the orthotics.

Second, if you suffer from fallen arches and foot pronation, every time you walk you get excessive internal rotation of the knee, hip and pelvis.  This excessive internal rotation can aggravate arthritis in those joints and also make it difficult for you to hold adjustments to your pelvis and spine.

Here is a simple way for you to look at your feet and see if you are a candidate for custom-made soft foot orthotics.  Stand barefoot in your shorts or underwear in front of a full-length mirror so that you can see your knees down to your feet.  Staying in a relaxed normal position, facing the mirror, march in place about 10 steps to position your feet naturally.  The following observations would be abnormal.  Either or both of your feet flare outward, either or both of your feet point inward, either or both of your kneecaps appear off center.  After the above observations are made stand sideways, first left and then right.  Do either of your feet appear flat with no arch support?  Do either of your feet appear extra high in the arch area?  If you answered yes to any one of the above questions there are probably issues in your feet that can be helped by the orthotics.  Without proper foot support your body will be out of balance which can cause you pain anywhere from your feet to your neck.  Custom-made orthotics designed specially for your feet will help with your unique postural condition.

The joints in your body that bear weight such as your ankles, knees, hips, pelvis and lower back are links in a chain.  If your feet are not balanced, every link in the chain including the muscles, ligaments and tendons above may become injured over time due to unnatural twists and strains on your body.  Pain may occur because of these postural imbalances.

If you or someone you know suffers from obvious foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or arch pain or if you notice the postural distortions described above and have associated conditions such as low back pain, hip pain, and knee pain (even if caused by arthritis), you should contact our office and let us further evaluate if custom-made software products can help your condition.

MONTHLY TIP

Exciting news!!  Chippewa Chiropractic Clinic is pleased to announce a new and exciting contest for our patients and their friends and families who receive our e-newsletter!  Each month we will include a 'Challenge Question' at the end of the newsletter which will pertain to information contained within our website.  Your name and answer to the question should be emailed to sue@chippewachiropracticclinic.com.  All people with correct answers will be entered into a monthly drawing for a "Back 2 U Bag".  Our Back 2 U Bag includes an array of items ranging from healthy living supplies, restaurant coupons, special offers to a variety of miscellaneous surprises.

Submitted answers will be accepted from the 1st of the month when the newsletter is delivered until the last day of the same month.  Any answers submitted after this time will not be valid for the previous drawing and will be assumed to be an answer to the next Challenge Question.  Drawings will occur the 1st of the next month and the answer to the Challenge Question will be posted in the next e-newsletter.  Due to federal regulations we are restricted from disclosing patient information without previous written consent, so the name of each winner will not be publicly posted.  Winners will be notified via email. 

So, all you have to do is read the challenge question, find the answer on the website, and email your name, email address and answer to Sue.  Good Luck on winning a Back 2 U Bag with lots of great stuff inside!

CHALLENGE QUESTION #1: What other degree does Dr. Lou have other than doctor of chiropractic?