Sandals and Subluxations
By Krista Elliott
There's something about the perfect pair of shoes that can make even the plainest outfit into something special, isn't there? Many women (and men) have a love affair with shoes, and why not? They're more durable than clothes, don't need ironing, and still fit even if you gain a few pounds.
With all of the choices we have for boots, flats, heels, wedges, and more, there's a shoe for every style and occasion. We know that some shoes are better for your feet than others, but did you also know that your choice in footwear can harm your spine and joints?
How Can Your Shoes Affect Your Back?
Your feet are the base from which your posture and stance originate. When your feet are stable, supported, and in proper alignment, your entire frame benefits.
Conversely, shoes that throw off your stance or shoes that are unsupportive can strain your muscles and tendons, creating uneven forces on your joints.
Worst vs. Best Shoes
Men's shoes are usually quite stable, as men tend to lean solely toward flat shoes. Don't be fooled into thinking that all men's shoes are great for your feet, though. Narrow toe boxes, thin soles, and lack of arch support (ask any medical professional about flip-flops and you can actually see their blood pressure skyrocket) all place strain and pressure on the joints and muscles of the feet, legs, hips and back. The result? Back pain, subluxations, and uneven joint wear.
Women's shoes, however, tend to be even worse. High heels, because they tip the body forward, require the wearer to arch the back and tilt the hips in order to keep from pitching forward onto her face. This uneven strain on the joints and muscles of the back can lead to pain, misalignment of the joints, reduced range of motion and even serious back injuries. As well, they create an enormous amount of pressure on the knees, contributing to degenerative arthritis.
In a nutshell, the best shoes for your feet, back and joints are those which provide three things:
- Arch and ankle support
- Cushioning
- Stability
Fortunately, there is a much broader range of shoes nowadays that provide these three things, often in attractive styles that work well for work, sports, casual wear, or evenings out.
Chiropractic to the Rescue!
Professional chiropractic treatment from The Joint Chiropractic, can go a long way toward offsetting the damage caused by improper footwear. Gentle and customized to your needs, chiropractic adjustments can alleviate back pain, correct subluxations, and ensure that the joints of the body are in correct alignment. You can enjoy a happier back, improved flexibility and range of motion, and less wear and tear on your joints and muscles. Visit The Joint today — when it comes to the best way to take care of your joints, they're a shoe-in!
