Watching an athlete or performer in peak condition can be a unique experience. Yet whether it’s a dancer exhibiting flawless form or an NFL running back sprinting downfield for a miraculous touchdown, there’s one trait that most of these individuals share: Complete and total alignment of the feet.

It’s rare, but some individuals do not suffer any foot or ankle problems as they develop, and those lucky few could be said to possess “perfect” alignment. At Advanced Foot Care Of New Jersey, this is a quality we want to cultivate in our patients.

To continue our efforts at clinical education, we’ve gathered some relevant information on alignment that we’d like to pass on to you. Read more to learn how you can step toward more perfect feet, even if you’re not pirouetting or punting your way across the silver screen!

Alignment Aches

If a patient presents with pain but lacks an apparent injury, alignment can be the culprit.

Pain in the outer part of the foot or ankle misalignment can be caused by excess weight distributed along the edge of the foot.
Other alignment issues could be connected to flat feet that collapse inward. The podiatric term for this is “pronation.”
Misalignments can lead to other complications. Typical issues such as bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes can all stem from it.
There are several root causes of misalignment: Problems maintaining a healthy weight, hereditary issues, injury, or arthritis are the usual suspects.

Form and Function

Often, the best way to rectify issues with alignment is a change in footwear.

Stability is crucial. If you’re seeking athletic shoes, brands that will keep your foot in place include Hoka, New Balance, and Brooks.
Custom orthotic inserts are another effective remedy. By controlling the movement of your foot and providing the proper support, they can both relieve pain and prevent recurrence.
In many cases, orthotics can preclude the necessity of more intensive interventions like surgery.

Here’s to hoping that the info above guides you towards movement that is effortless and pain-free!

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing results. To schedule an appointment, contact his office in Woodland Park, NJ, at 973-256-0002.