Hip Pain
Lower Back Pain

Custom orthotics and similar products attempt to stabilize the subtalar joint by supporting the arch, claiming to correct the poor biomechanics of the foot. This claim of correction is quite misleading. Orthotics only mask the symptoms by artificially supporting a dysfunctional structure along with its inherent muscle imbalances, while introducing a new angle of ground interface to the foot.

The artificial support provided by orthotics has little or no effect on the alignment or structural integrity of the interlocking bones that are still loose and unstable. The foot remains functionally unstable and will become increasingly weaker and dependent on the support. These bracing and supporting characteristics can actually prevent proper alignment in the foot and ankle as they manage multidirectional activities, contributing to increased stresses at the ankle and knee. And the chance of injury increases when misalignment and increased stress combines with an unlocked structure.

From a biomechanical perspective, by introducing a new angle of ground interface, orthotics cause a shift in the dynamics of the repetitive movement. The symptoms resulting from the old dynamic disappear and the problem seems to be corrected. Unfortunately, over time or with increased activity levels at the new ground interface angle, the repetitive movement often results in new symptoms at different locations. This creates a recurring cycle where new orthotics are prescribed to compensate for the ever-migrating symptoms and pathologies. The current practice is to recommend new orthotics at least every couple of years.

Symptoms:
• Swelling and dull aching in the hip region that is made worse with excessive hip motion.
• Snapping and clicking sensations that cause pain and discomfort.

Cause
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• An unstable foot results in poor bone alignment up through the leg and into the back. This poor alignment generates excessive stresses at the joints. The associated muscles are also subjected to strain and overuse as they attempt to stabilize the structure.

Symptoms:

• Lower back muscle cramping and spasm with associated discomfort in the gluteal region.
• Pain in the lumbar spine.

Cause
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Inflammation is caused by irritation or injury to the disk, facet joints, ligaments, or muscles of the lower back.
• Nerve-related pain is caused by irritated or pinched nerve roots leaving the spine and is aggravated by poor posture.

Symptoms:

• Inflammation of the deep soft tissues in the arch region, sometimes accompanied by sharp pain in the heel. This is felt in the morning, after long periods of rest, or during prolonged standing or walking.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Arch muscles contract excessively in an attempt to stabilize the foot, leading to premature fatigue as well as micro-tears in the plantar fascia.

Symptoms:

• A dull or sharp shooting pain experienced at the heel when weight-bearing after long periods of rest.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Excessive tension in the plantar fascia from over- pronation results in a slow pulling on the heel bone and the formation of a spur.

Symptoms:

• Inflammation of the Achilles tendon accompanied by sharp pain behind the heel. This pain is often felt during the first few steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Micro-tears occur in the Achilles tendon from excessive and repetitive stretching or from overtraining the calf muscles (doing "too much, too soon".)

Symptoms:

• Pain, numbness or tingling in the front lateral portion of the lower leg. Referred to as "stress fractures" when they involve bone and "anterior compartment syndrome" when they involve soft tissue.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Micro-fractures of the tibia are related to impact, running with frequent and sudden stops or down hills, muscle imbalances, or over-pronation.

Symptoms:

• Pain and inflammation on the medial (inside) of the tibia, at the side or to the rear.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Strain on the muscle attachment at the bone is usually caused by a tight calf muscle group and/or excessive pronation.
• Running frequently on slanted surfaces also cause stress and strain.

Symptoms:

• Aching pain, generally felt in the knee area. It can occur beneath or on either side of the knee cap.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Excessive friction between the knee cap and the tracking groove in the femur, as well as muscular imbalance between the inner and outer portions of the thigh result in pain.

Symptoms:

• Aching and tightness on the outer portion of the leg in the knee area.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom. The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Excessive irritation of the iliotibial band occurs when it is subjected to excessive strain, friction and stress.
• Imbalances in running surfaces can lead to uneven stresses on the joints.

Symptoms:

• Tenderness and inflammation along the border of the toenail, most commonly on the big toe.

Cause
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Inflammation is caused by irritation or injury to the disk, facet joints, ligaments, or muscles of the lower back.
• Nerve-related pain is caused by irritated or pinched nerve roots leaving the spine and is aggravated by poor posture.

Symptoms:

• Thickening of the skin on the bottom of the foot (calluses) in high pressure and high friction areas or on the joints of the toes (corns). Calluses form on the bottom or sides of the foot; corns typically form on the top. They can cause sharp pains or dull aches as they thicken.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Repetitive friction between the shoe and the foot due to excessive movement in the shoe is a major contributing factor.

Symptoms:

• Permanent claw-like positioning of the toes, usually involving the second and/or third toes. This can be accompanied by localized pain in the joint or by the appearance of corns and calluses.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Imbalance in the strength between muscles that flex and muscles that extend the toes contributes to the problem. This can be traced to poor footwear design and tight fitting shoes that prevent a balanced movement of the toes.

Symptoms:

• Pain, numbness or burning in the forefoot, particularly between the third and fourth toes.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Chronic compression or squeezing of the bones in the forefoot, caused by a restrictive toe box in ill-fitting shoes. Repetitive and excessive collapse of the metatarsal arch leads to compression and irritation of nerve fibers between the toes.

Symptoms:

• Enlargement on the foot at the joint of the big toe as it begins to point inward toward the other toes.
• Inflammation and pain, leading to improper gait, loss of motion, or unnatural walking patterns.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Ill-fitting shoes, particularly if they are too tight and narrow, cause friction and pressure at the joint of the big toe. This is exacerbated by excessive inward rolling of the foot due to hypermobility resulting from poor structural alignment and weakened foot muscles.

Symptoms:

• Swelling and enlargement at the base of the fifth toe that can lead to improper gait or unnatural walking patterns.

Cause:
Outside of acute trauma, it is commonly accepted that most foot-related pathologies arise from a biomechanically unsound structure that has been subjected to excessively repetitive activity. Acute or chronic symptoms manifest as a result of varying levels of intensity. These symptoms impact at the most structurally unstable locations or the "weakest links" in the individual's kinetic chain relative to the repetitive activity. For example, excessive pronation, resulting from poor structural mechanics, can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee problems. All too often, excessive pronation is incorrectly identified as the cause of these problems, when in fact, as has been demonstrated, it is only a symptom.

The real cause of the problem is the foot's inability to align, stabilize, and lock the arch structure prior to heel strike as influenced by restrictive footwear and exacerbated by rigid soles, heel height, and heel flare.

• Ill-fitting footwear causes friction and continual pressure on the joint of the fifth toe.