Tips On Foot Care From Faculty Doctors
At Northwestern Health Sciences University
Owning only one pair of shoes may be more harmful than good, according to David Stude, DC, Associate Professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University. You may save money now, but the effects of wearing a pair of walking shoes while playing basketball may be detrimental to your long-term spinal care.
Dr. Stude explains that proper footwear can reduce fatigue because your bone alignment is in its correct position. "It is important to wear the proper shoes for the proper exercise. Each type of shoe has a particular arch to support the movement in the foot," says Dr. Stude. Studies have shown that 75 percent of people will have experienced some sort of foot pain in their lifetime. According to Dr. Stude and the American Podiatric Medical Association (ADMA), pain in your feet is not normal and will escalate into your back over time.
Due to the type of shoes women wear they are four times more likely than men to have some sort of foot problem. High heel shoes extend the foot unnaturally and leave the ligaments in the foot, ankle, calf and thigh tightened. Kurt Wood, DC, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Principles and Methods at Northwestern Health Sciences University, explains that "Feet are the foundation for the skeletal framework. They are at the root of back problems. "
With the average person walking approximately four times the circumference of the globe in a lifetime, it is important to recognize your feet's role in overall health. Here are some hints from Dr. Stude to help your feet and prevent back pain.
1. Exercise- There are specific exercises to help relieve pain in your feet by increasing the foot's soft muscles. For instance, place a towel on the floor with your foot on top of it. Slowly stretch your toes and move the towel toward you.
2. Choose shoes that fit you well. The correct width of a shoe is just as important as the correct length, and remember to pay attention to the arch in your foot. If you have a higher arch search for a shoe that fits your arch or purchase an orthopedic insert.
3. Alternate shoes daily along with altering for every activity.
4. If you insist on walking barefoot, stay away from hot pavement.
5. Do not be afraid to visit an orthopedic health care practitioner even if you are feeling well. This may help you prevent any larger problems later in life. Visiting a doctor of chiropractic is a good method of prevention and can improve structural alignment through adjustments.
Northwestern College of Chiropractic recently expanded to become Northwestern Health Sciences University. Northwestern Health Sciences University offers the widest array of choices in natural health care education in the United States. Programs include chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, professional massage, integrative health and wellness, and human biology. The new University has more than 1,000 full time students on a 25- acre campus in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The Chiropractic News Service is provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University.
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