Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the fibrous band that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. This can result in significant pain in the foot and heel area. It is important to understand the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis in order to effectively manage and treat this condition.
Extended periods of standing or walking can pose a significant risk for individuals, particularly those engaged in activities like running, using stair climbers, or walking on hard surfaces such as treadmills. In fact, even those who regularly engage in jogging, utilizing stair climbers, or using exercise bikes can be especially susceptible to various ergonomic problems. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with these activities and take necessary precautions to prevent any related discomfort or injury.
Pelvic Malalignment
When it comes to experiencing discomfort in the back, hips, knees, and feet, one of the main culprits is pelvic malalignment. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent it from becoming a chronic problem. Taking early action can help alleviate the discomfort and prevent it from affecting your daily life.
Normal pelvis positions lie level or neutrally within the abdomen. The pelvic bone connects with two iliac bones (at the bottom portion of spine) through the sacroiliac joint.
Sometimes the pelvic bone can gradually shift towards one side over time; doctors refer to this condition as pelvic tilt or obliquity.
Maintaining optimal body posture requires that the spine bend to maintain stable pelvic positions, known as scoliosis. Scoliosis typically impacts lumbar spine but also can occur in thoracic and cervical regions of the spine.
In order to function optimally, pelvis must also house and allow for free movement of the gut. Sticky guts lining the inner rim can impede this movement and lead to pelvic misalignment or range-of-motion loss.
Rotational Shifts
Rotating shifts are used by businesses that need staff coverage 24/7/24 for extended hours – such as healthcare facilities, factories and police/fire departments.
As opposed to fixed shifts, rotating shifts often change weekly or monthly, making it hard for workers to adjust and disrupting their circadian rhythms.
Studies have demonstrated that employees working rotating shift patterns have an increased risk of diabetes, gastrointestinal issues and sleep disorders – issues which can particularly impact obese employees.
Excessive Pronation
How your foot hits the ground has an enormous effect on the rest of your body, especially if it overpronates or underpronates – this can result in serious injuries as well as health concerns that affect feet, legs, knees, hips and lower back.
Overpronation occurs when your feet roll inward, flattening your arch and stretching and weakening the ligaments and tendons of your foot. It may also occur if your feet become swollen or injured.
Check for excessive pronation by looking at your feet while walking or standing and noting whether they appear to roll inward too much when walking or standing. A podiatrist can assess both how much and the severity of excess pronation exists within your gait pattern.
Arch Support
Appropriate arch support is crucial in alleviating pain, improving posture and avoiding long-term foot issues such as plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, having the correct support helps reduce fatigue and enhance balance.
Lacking adequate arch support causes your body to shift back or forward as you walk and stand, leading the heels and balls of your feet to absorb some of your weight, leading to pain in those areas.
Over time, this can lead to radiating pain that impacts multiple parts of your body; from swelling and stabbing, stiffness and numbness.
Orthotics may help address this problem by redistributing body weight evenly over both feet while providing sufficient arch support – this type of shoe comes in either hard or soft materials, though those made from shock-absorbing material tend to provide better support.
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