If you have not responded well to other forms of therapy for chronic low back pain; the answer may lie in the firing patterns of the musculature involved in the gait cycle.  

​Arthritis in your big toe: Hallux Rigidus and limited ankle range of motion; Equinus Syndrome do not allow for the proper 15 degrees extension of the hip during the gait cycle.  

Without this range of motion of the hip backwards; gravity is unable to swing the leg forward in the swing phase and the Psoas hip flexor must engage and become overworked causing an overuse injury.  The Psoas hip flexor muscle attaches to the low back and as this occurs over and over again with walking; mechanical low back pain will develop.  

An Orthotic that assists in increasing the hip movement into extension will allow the hip flexor to relax and will decrease low back pain.

Painful Peripheral Neuropathy can be frustrating and impair quality of life due to the progressing symptoms of burning, tingling, numbness and pain which disrupt sleep.

An alternative to masking with medical therapies is Cold Laser Therapy.

The treatment involves light therapy to stimulate microcirculation around the nerve fibers to increase blood flow to the nerves, and enhance both nerve regeneration and cellular oxygen consumption.

The latest trial research has shown a significant reduction of pain with Cold Laser Therapy treatment for painful
Neuropathy.

Please give us a call today at Oceanwalk Pedorthic Clinic in Nanaimo to assess whether you are a candidate for conservative care; call: 250.585.5859 or email any questions to
[email protected].

Hallux rigidus is a disorder at the base of the
big toe. It causes pain and stiffness and with
time it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe.

“Hallux” refers to the big toe, while “rigidus” indicates that the toe
is rigid and cannot move - this is a form of degenerative arthritis
that limits movement and is progressive as time goes on leading to
a “frozen joint”.

Our in office modality Shockwave Therapy can break up stiffness
and the scar tissue conservatively without invasive treatments.
Additionally, altering the biomechanics with Custom Foot Orthotics
can decrease the stress through the big toe causing the degeneration
in the first place. Give us a call today with any questions - we are
here to keep you active, walking and mobile.