Choose the Right Shoes

Look around any crowded city street, and you'll see plenty of footwear— from stiletto heels to platform shoes— that is more than a little unkind to our feet. It's no wonder that foot pain is such a common complaint. But it's not just our feet that are hurting. Improper footwear places strain on the knees, hips and back. According to Karen Achtermann, DC, your feet serve three purposes: support, locomotion and shock absorption. So, support your body by following these guidelines for proper footwear.

Leave the High-Heels Behind

Women, listen up: The higher the heel on your shoe, the greater the amount of stress placed on your forefoot. High-heeled shoes can contribute to the collapse of one or more of the foot's three arches. These shoes also place undue stress on the ankle, which can lead to ankle instability and sprains. Plus, when you wear high-heels your calf muscles shorten, warns Achtermann. Then, if you alternate between high heels and flat shoes, your calf muscles go through a shorten/lengthen cycle that can lead to pelvic imbalances and low back pain.

Consider Orthotics

Many chiropractors recommend orthotics. There are two kinds of orthotics: the simple, commercially-made insoles that are available at outdoor sports or shoe stores, and custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are superior since they are tailored to your individual foot and are designed to correct for your particular imbalances. These are created by making an impression of each foot called a cast, and then correcting for specific misalignments. According to Achtermann, custom orthotics help to prevent dysfunction of the lower body and legs, and decrease spinal stress.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30am

5:30pm

Tuesday:

7:00am

2:00pm

Wednesday:

9:00am - 1:00pm

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Thursday:

8:30am

1:00pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I had extensive foot reconstruction following an accident and was told I would never be able to run again. Dr. Crandell never gave up on me and five years later, I returned to competition and won the National Masters 100 meter hurdles gold medal in the fastest time run in the world that year (16.3) for my age group (65-69). I should give Dr. Crandell the gold medal (but I won't). Thanks to Felton Family Wellness, I can walk 18 holes at Pasatiempo and work out every day."
    John Martel
  • "Dr. Norm began treating me for severe, intermittent wrist pain that was interfering with my enjoyment of daily activities. I had been experiencing this wrist pain for several months before getting treatment from Dr. Norm. Prior to seeing Dr. Norm I had been taking aspirin, using topical analgesics, and restricting my activities so that I would not be in as much pain. After a few chiropractic treatments with Dr. Norm I am now happy to say that I have total freedom from my pain!"
    Audrey Dawson