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SHORT OR TIGHT ACHILLES TENDON
The Achilles' Tendon and Plantar Fascia (ligament) are both attached to the calcaneus
(heel bone). The illustration shows what these look like in a normal arched foot. With age, the
Achilles' Tendon shortens and pulls up on the calcaneus, forcing the arch to flatten out and
the foot to elongate (illustration B). When the foot elongates, the Plantar Fascia is stretched
much more than normal. The stress on the Plantar Fascia can cause it to tear which leads to Plantar
Fasciitis and Heel Spurs.
LOWER BACK PAIN
Lower back pain is usually caused by a strain to the Sciatic Nerve. The Sciatic Nerve starts at
the lower back and makes its way down the leg to the foot. Strain on the nerve is often caused by
the repetitive shock produced by running and is magified by the improper biomechanical action of
over-pronation.
BUNION
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe that is misaligned at the joint causing it to angle outward
10 to 15 degrees. Bunions can be hereditary or can be caused by other factors like having flat feet.
In countries where shoes are not worn, bunions rarely exist.
HAMMER TOE
As the angle of the big toe increases inwards, it slides under the second toe, forcing the metatarsal
bone to rise up and create a hammer toe.
CALLUSES (thick skin)
As the big toe loses its flexibility, it transfers pressure inward and calluses may develop on the
sole of the foot under the second toe.
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