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 othotics. 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 Inc., 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 will determine if the arches have dropped. If they have, this can be addressed by exercises to strengthen the muscles and the use of computerized custom foot orthotics.

Finally, nerve irritation in the lower back can often cause weakness in the legs, therefore, Dr. Pisarek will also assess the spine as a possible source of the problem.