Foot Note

Start Off on the Right Foot

Our body is an integrated system of moving parts. When one of the parts is off, the other parts are affected. Our posture can be a direct result of how our body feels.

 

Abnormal body posture can result in several health issues.

One important issue is foot ailment such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or bursitis. All big names that mean the same thing: foot pain. Our feet are the foundation of our body. So when our feet hurt, our bodies react.

Other health issues can be in ankles and knee joints which can result in bone-to-bone contact. Another painful ordeal.

Our hips and lower back can have sciatic nerve problems and cervical pain that can be really miserable.

Many of these listed problems are generally caused by a leg-length discrepancy. If one leg is shorter than the other, the rest of the body is off. Our feet react, our hips react and our back reacts. When any of this is going on in our bodies, we just want to stop. However, there are ways to deal with abnormal body positions. If we start with our foundation, our feet, and get them properly supported and aligned, then the rest of the body will function much better.

Having good foot alignment all-year round for all of your activities and day-to-day life is important for overall health. Knowing what the problem might be can help resolve it. Here are some tips for a common body abnormality: leg length.

 

There are four easy steps to self-diagnose whether one leg is shorter than another.

1) An easy way to tell if one leg is shorter than another, while sitting down.

 

2) Many of us have one foot longer than another. Generally this foot is the most pronated and is on the shorter-leg side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Look at yourself in a mirror barefooted. If one shoulder is lower, there is a good chance you have an abnormal body stance and possible back issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) Take a level and place an end at the height of each hipbone. If the level is not straight your hips are off, often indicating a longer (or shorter) leg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of us have pronated or supinated feet. Supporting our feet in a normal position

will greatly improve how our body feels and how it acts during our favorite activities.

 

 

 

 

The quality of our footwear is directly related to the performance and enjoyment of activities. An investment in custom foot beds is a wise one. Take the time to get your feet in the proper alignment. You will see the difference and wish you had done it years ago!

Stop by Le Feet Lab for a free fifteen minute consultation.

Story by Jacques Thomas

Illustrations by Marty Petersen

Custom foot beds or custom fitted boots are important to enjoying winter sports that require comfort, warmth and snugness for optimal performance. Even if you are new to a winter sport like skiing, make sure you get a good fit to your boots.