Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief

Putting Your Feet First

Continued...

For example, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue in the arch of the foot), iliotibial band tendinitis, metatarsalgia (foot pain), stress fractures and medial knee pain can be the result of abnormal foot biomechanics.

Furthermore, studies have shown that orthotics are more likely to alleviate symptoms if you have a low arch or excessive pronation than if you have a highly arched foot.

The Louisiana State University Medical Center Runner's Clinic prescribed orthotics to 50 runners whose stress-related injuries had not responded to improved training techniques, more cushioned surfaces and improved shoes.

The injuries included Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, iliotibial band tendinitis, metatarsalgia and chondromalacia patellae (knee pain).

The three-year study found that with 36 runners (72 percent) the pain associated with running had decreased or been eliminated. Among the runners who showed no improvement, almost half had high arches. Because a high-arched foot does not absorb shock as well as a low-arched foot, the orthotic for a high arch should probably be made of a more cushioning material to assist the foot in absorbing impact.

For women, two of the most common biomechanical problems that affect the feet are leg-length discrepancy and an increased Q-angle at the knee. This will affect the way the foot strikes the ground, causing pain anywhere in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or lower back.

A body with a foot problem is similar to a car with a flat tire: The problem is passed right up the frame, making a bumpy ride.

Leg-length discrepancy can be either a biomechanical imbalance or hereditary condition. The increased Q-angle is caused by a woman's proportionately wider hips. The orthotic can adjust your footstrike, smoothing out your stride and reducing the shock passed up to the knee and hip.

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
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Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


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