Fallen arches, commonly known as pes planus, is when the arch of the foot touches the ground when a person stands up. The main muscle responsible for holding the bow is the posterior tibial muscle and it receives “instructions” for holding the bow from the brain through the spinal cord, the fifth lumbar (lower back) nerve root, the sciatic nerve and finally through of the tarsal tunnel as the tibial n. Ergo, any misalignment in the lower back can “pinch” the nerve supply and cause the muscle to fail.
Falling bows can be problematic for a number of reasons…
First, the added stress on the foot stretches the ligaments, permanently altering the base of the body toward more pronation (turning inward). This, in turn, alters the mechanics of the ankle, knee, and hip to do the same. As the hips rotate inward (usually more to one side than the other), the pelvis tilts more to one side. When the hips are not level, the spine must twist and bend to accommodate the shift up to the head. Basically, flat feet can be a predisposing, complicating factor and cause of musculoskeletal pain anywhere from head to toe.
In particular, once the arch collapses, the tarsal tunnel can narrow and affect the nerves that travel to and from the foot, causing further weakness and paresthesia (tingling). Even if the arch resists, the foot will continue to overpronate, putting the weight of the body on the inside of the foot instead of the bottom. This can often lead to bunions or a deformity of the big toe into hallux valgus.
Sometimes people are born with flat feet, but flat feet can also develop due to lifestyle. Clinical observation has shown that the tibialis posterior muscle is inhibited by excessive stress. Stress can be mental-emotional, chemical-nutritional, structural (any previous injury/illness) or thermal. The adrenal glands are responsible for the production of the stress hormone and, like muscles, they get tired. We can’t turn off stress, but we can control how we handle it. In the field of applied kinesiology, the management of these cases has a multiple approach based on the four types of stress:
1. Reduce mental-emotional stress (or improve coping strategies). This can include counseling, meditation, breathing exercises, general exercise, etc.
2. Improve biochemistry by treating infections and removing toxins (cologne, perfume, scented lotions, potpourri, paints, solvents, heavy metals, etc.). It is also important to increase the intake of vitamin cofactors A, C, E, Zn, B3, B5 and folic acid.
3. Evaluate the structural integrity mentioned above. This is best done by a professional Applied Kinesiologist Chiropractor. Spinal and extremity adjustment, foot binding, acupuncture, and orthotics may be required.
4. Reduce possible thermal stresses. This is rare, but should not be overlooked, especially in extreme weather or during seasonal fluctuations.
For a thorough and preventative approach, get evaluated by a professional applied kinesiologist. This individual is trained to assess the muscles involved and rule out other contributing factors. Visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online to locate a practitioner near you.