Tips on How to Avoid Foot Problems while Standing Around

Avoiding Foot Problems from Standing Around

Two common activities that affect the health of your feet are stance and gait.  The weight of your body pushes downward thus driving your heels and feet into the ground.

 

Standing in one spot for several hours at a time can be especially stressful to your feet and your entire body. Common symptoms that develop may include foot pain, knee pain and lower back pain.

 

If you must stand in the same position for a prolonged period of time, we recommend that you keep your legs and feet moving periodically throughout that time. You can bend your knees, march in place, dance in place or take small steps in either direction. Moving around while standing in one spot will improve circulation and alleviate sustained pressure and stress from your feet, knees, hips and spine.

     

The healthier your feet, the better they will absorb the stress your body experiences from prolonged standing.  When the 52 bones that comprise both of your feet are in their healthy alignment, they will certainly help to protect your legs and back and reduce the potential for injuries.

 

However when your foot bones lose their healthy alignment, the feet will not do as good of job in absorbing shock while standing and walking.  This will cause greater stress on your knees, hips and spine.  Foot misalignments and dysfunction are a leading cause of back pain.

 

There are four major misalignment patterns that may affect your feet:

1. flat feet
2. high arches
3. pronation (walking too much on the inside arch of your foot)
4. supination (walking too much on the outside edge of your foot)

You may not be aware that you actually have a misalignment or structural problem in your feet.  In many cases a foot may appear to be normal at first glance, but a thorough examination could indicate differently.  Just because your feet look healthy doesn’t mean that they actually are.

 

It is our goal to provide the most complete care possible for you as our patient.  If we haven’t already evaluated your feet and you would like us to do so, please mention that to us during your next appointment.  People don’t typically think of the chiropractor first when it comes to their feet, so we appreciate you for helping us spread the word about chiropractic foot care to your friends and family.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com 

Three Motions to Avoid with a Shoulder Condition

The shoulder is an interesting joint because it has such a broad, unrestricted range of motion.  Because of its versatility, this mobile joint may become compromised by extreme ranges of motion.  There are few movements or arm positions that are potentially dangerous if you have a preexisting shoulder problem.  In fact there are three particular positions or movements to avoid if you have had a previous shoulder condition.

1. Working for prolonged periods with your arms overhead
2. Reaching behind your body to lift an object
3. Sleeping with your arms overhead

Let’s take a look at each of these potentially injurious shoulder motions.

 

Working With Your Arms Overhead

 

Working with your arms overhead for short periods is generally acceptable; however when you must work with your arms overhead for prolonged periods of time it may cause great stress and strain to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the shoulder region.  When this happens you may experience symptoms of numbness and tingling in your hands.

 

Reaching Behind Your Body to Lift an Object

 

 

Have you ever reached behind your car seat to pick something up while you were sitting in the front seat?  This type of motion compromises the shoulder joint and can lead to injury.  If you’ve ever injured your rotator cuff, this motion may be exceptionally dangerous and should be avoided.

 

Sleeping With Your Arms Overhead

 

When you sleep in this position it’s not uncommon to develop tingling or numbness sensations in your hands.  This is very similar to working with your arms overhead.  The only difference is that while sleeping with your arms overhead, your shoulders may remain in that compromising position for several hours.

 

Healthy Posture

 

The healthiest position for your shoulders is to remain in as neutral and relaxed posture and range of motion with whatever activity you are participating in.  If you must place your shoulders and arms in an awkward position, be sure to limit the time and amount of strain you exert on your shoulders while in that compromising position.

 

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Injuries

 

Our practice has a great record of success when it comes to treating shoulder conditions.  Chiropractic adjustments to the shoulder joint and spine can relieve stress and strain from stretched, irritated or torn shoulder muscles and ligaments.  Whether you’ve had a rotator cuff injury or just a simple shoulder pain or strain, you should consider coming in for a shoulder adjustment.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com