Hip pain – when your foot pronates it takes the whole leg with it. So when the foot pronates too much your leg rotates internally too much causing pain.                                                                        

Knee pain – having the knees point toward each other causes knee problems. This knee problem is not the “internal” kind involving something like arthritis but more to do with misalignment which can cause damage and pain. So often when the problem is rectified or at least reduced, so is the pain. Before having surgery it is a good idea to see a foot specialist.                                                                                                      

Tendonitis - a number of the muscles of the lower leg stabilize the foot, there are tendons that run down past the ankle into the foot to give it support. So often these tendons have too much stress placed on them. They can rupture, or stretch too much. Tendons that are not functioning properly this is quite common, especially as we get older. It develops little by little over a lifetime, and once the tendons are stretched, the ligaments of the arch stretch too much and tear. The bones of the arch then move out of position because they are not being held in position properly and then top that with the body weight pressing down onto them. The foot rotates inward at the ankle in a movement called pronation. The arch appears collapsed, and the heel bone is tilted towards the inside. The deformity can progress until the foot literally dislocates outward from under the ankle joint!

Plantar faciitis – as the foot flattens it results in an excessive pull on a ligament-like structure called the plantar fascia on the heel bone. This eventually results in inflammation called plantar fasciitis. Any condition with ‘is’ on the end is an inflammatory condition of one description or another.                                                                                                                       

Bunoins and hammerstoes are caused by an unstable foot. With an unstable foot the multitude of little muscles in the foot itself weaken and stop working properly. This malfunction contributes to hammertoes and bunions.

What can help? Elevating the heel off of the ground actually causes it to pronate less and supinate more. I myself wear a heal almost all the time (it doesn’t have to be a high heal just an inch or two is fine) but if I wear a flat shoes or go bare foot for too long my feet hurt and my leg ache and I get tired. Men will be thinking this is not possible for them to wear heels however it is possible to get a half insole that goes inside your shoes under the heel part only, this will raise your heel.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Most pharmacies and drug stores, sell full or half inserts/insoles. A simple and relatively cheap insole can help with excessive pronation and hence with pain or discomfort. If you are in pain it is worth trying the above suggestions before you go to a specialist for the more expensive made-to-measure insoles. In some cases just putting an insole into your shoes that acts as a shock absorber works wonders for easing joint pain.

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Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal itself. The theory is that following illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of “imbalance”, and that vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology may be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing.

A Reflexologist uses hands only to apply pressure to the feet. For each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands may detect imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the Reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination might be improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.

Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn’t until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as ‘zone therapy’. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.

In the 1930′s Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.

Recent research from Japan has started to shed light on the ideas behind reflexology for further information please read the article that appeared in Reflexions March 2009. click link

Somatotopical relationships between cortical activity and reflex areas in reflexology: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study, by Tomomi Nakamaru, Naoki Miura, Ai Fukushima and Ryuta Kawashima is published in the research journal Neuroscience Letters (Vol 448; no. 1, pages 6-9).

Reflexology is complementary therapy, which works on the feet to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms. It is not however an alternative to seeking medical advice or attention.

How can Reflexology help me?

Reflexology can be used to help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance.

Reflexology has anecdotally been shown to be effective for

• Stress-related conditions
• Migraine
• Fertility
• Sleep disorders
• Hormonal Imbalances
• and other various problems

There is some scientific research, however mostly there is only one study in any one area and this is not currently accepted as sufficient evidence of effectiveness.

Reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. Each session of reflexology works on an individual basis.

Who can benefit from reflexology?

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After having completed a course of reflexology treatments for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue to have occasional treatments to maintain health and well-being.

Many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, some doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognise reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.

With ever increasing levels of stress, it is important for people take more responsibility for their own health care needs.

Reflexology may help people to cope on a physical mental and emotional level thereby encouraging healing and maintenance in all areas of life.

Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.

What happens when I go for a treatment?

On the first visit, the reflexology practitioner will have a preliminary talk with you to determine your present and past health and lifestyle.

The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy are unique to each person.

A professionally trained reflexologist may detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body.

A treatment session usually lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment may be recommended depending on your body’s needs.

How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?

After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is part of the healing process.

This is vital information to feed back to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment. This will help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.

See below for a list of common ailments. For more information about reflexology please contact your local reflexologist.

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