Pronation and Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Chiropractors recognize that pronation can be caused by a weakness in the calf and foot muscles and produces distortion such as flat feet, bunions, hammer toes and widening of the fore foot.
Although pronation is often a consequence of ankle instability, it can occur on its own through various other factors such as prolonged standing, bad shoes or inherited tendencies. Much is now known about foot pronation and many chiropodists or podiatrists treat it with insoles or orthotics. It is important, however, to deal with any mechanical and muscle imbalance problems that may exist and your chiropractor is ideally suited to diagnose and treat the problem. Here at Advanced Healthcare, we offer to correct the problem. Dr. Pisarek will also advise you on the correct shoe wear and on the right type of exercise to help the condition.
The feet have three arches, one on the inside and one of the outside of the foot, and a transverse arch from the inside to the outside of the foot, allowing for correct propulsion. Wearing shoes on even surfaces means the arches of the feet do not get used for shock absorbance. The muscles weaken and eventually the arches drop, causing the person to become mildly 'knock kneed'? This puts more pressure on the inside joint of the knee and can result in arthritis and cartilage problems.
An assessment by Dr. Pisarek at Advanced Healthcare will determine if the arches have fallen. If they have, this can be addressed by stretches to exercises in order to mobilize and strengthen the muscles of the lower limbs and feet. Also of great benefit will be the use of a 'Footmaxx' computerized custom foot assessment to determine if custom-made orthotics would be of benefit.
Finally, nerve irritation in the lower back can often cause lower limb instability and weakness in the legs. Therefore, Dr. Pisarek at Advanced Healthcare will also assess the spine as a possible source of the problem.