High heeled shoes can also cause foot, ankle, and knee pain too. You see when a person is standing the body weight is supported by the spine. The lower body tends to take more of that stress- your low back, feet, and knees. Wearing heels changes the wearer’s weight distribution and tends to shift the spine forward. This will also change ankle and knee alignment.
Your foot arches also get affected, and wearing heels with too much lift will change the arches and will cause decreased motion of the foot. Not to mention a lot of heels lack much foot support and also pinch the toes inward.
So, for these reasons, women who present with back pain who wear high heels often can ease their pain by switching to a flat shoe or sneakers for a week or two. Along with this, chiropractic adjustments can correct any alignment issues in the lower body. What happens is that the shifts in the spine or pelvis put pressure on nerves in the back causing pain. Even though the wearer may switch to flats, the misalignments or joint restriction may remain until treated.
Shoe orthotics may help as well. These are custom-made insoles for your shoes that help restore the alignment and arches of the feet. Everything is connected, which is why foot alignment issues can lead to knee or pelvis problems.
I have extensive training in extremity adjustments, as well as supports and exercises one may need to balance the spine and especially the lower body.
A place for sharing information on health, nutrition, chiropractic, acupuncture dry needling, spinal decompression, and wellness.
My office is located in LaVale, MD at 359 National Highway above Fratelli's Restaurant. We are always accepting new patients.
Call me at 301-777-3710
For More Information: www.accentonhealth.org
Since we are likely to get even more of this white stuff next week and when you consider that a shovelful of snow weighs 5 to 7 pounds, you will realize how much weight you have to lift to clear your sidewalk or driveway - on average, several hundred pounds! This last snow storm would have been more like several thousand pounds.
Here are the top 10 tips:
1. Don’t let the snow pile up:
If the weather report calls for several days of snow, frequent shoveling will allow you to move smaller amounts of snow at once.
2. Pick the right shovel:
Use a lightweight pusher-type shovel. If you are using a metal shovel, spray it with Teflon first, so snow won’t stick to it.
3. Push, don’t throw:
Always push the snow to the side rather than throwing it. That way you avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow, and sudden twisting or turning movements.
4. Bend your knees:
If you find you have to lift a shovelful of snow, use your knees and your leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting, while keeping your back straight.
5. Warm up:
Before tackling any strenuous activity take the time to warm up with some overall conditioning (a 10- to 15-minute walk, even on the spot, should do it), followed by some simple stretching.
6. Take a break:
If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Shake out your arms and legs. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest pain or back pain. If you have chest pain that is severe, see a medical doctor immediately. If you have back pain that is severe or that persists for more than a day after shoveling, give us a call.
6. This winter have fun and stay fit!
7. Dress for the weather.
Layered clothing works better to keep your muscles warm and your skin dry so you don’t get chilled. You may want to invest in clothing designed specifically for winter outdoor activity or layer garments made of natural fibers.
8. Know when to rest.
Rest when you feel tired. Stop your activity immediately if you experience sudden or prolonged pain in any joint or muscle. Cool down by stretching, and change into dry, warm clothes.
9. Stay hydrated.
Don’t be fooled by the temperature! Your active body needs plenty of fluids even though it’s cold outside. Be sure to drink lots of water or juice before, during and after winter sports.
10. If you have back pain that is severe or that persists for more than a day after shoveling, give us a call!
Delaying treatment can and often will delay or prevent appropriate recovery. Chiropractic care works effectively by targeting the injured segments and muscles of your spine and increasing mobility in those areas. By combining chiropractic with home exercises, we can get you back on the road to health!
