Stephen Oetzel D.C.

03/31/2026

The United States is unique among developed nations for having a health insurance administrative sector that employs more people than the number of doctors, estimates from 2021 indicate the U.S. insurance industry employs nearly 2.8 million individuals, driven by high administrative costs, to reduce payouts to / for the insured / you!

03/24/2026

This is the pelvis.

03/24/2026

03/09/2026

👣 Plantar Fasciitis & Foot Arch Mechanics: Understanding the Biomechanics

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the base of the toes, forming one of the most important passive support structures of the foot. Biomechanically, it acts like a tension cable that supports the medial longitudinal arch and helps the foot absorb and transfer forces during walking, running, and standing.

During the stance phase of gait, the plantar fascia plays a critical role in maintaining the stability of the foot arch. As body weight loads onto the foot, the arch slightly flattens to absorb impact forces. This controlled flattening creates tension within the plantar fascia, storing elastic energy that later helps propel the body forward during the push-off phase.

However, when the mechanical load on the plantar fascia becomes excessive or repetitive, micro-tearing and inflammation can occur at its attachment on the calcaneus, leading to plantar fasciitis. This is why pain is often felt at the bottom of the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest.

Foot arch mechanics strongly influence the stress placed on the plantar fascia. In individuals with a high arch (supinated foot), the foot tends to be rigid and less capable of absorbing shock. This rigidity reduces the foot’s natural ability to dissipate forces, causing greater strain on the plantar fascia and surrounding structures.

On the other hand, individuals with low arches or excessive pronation experience increased stretching of the plantar fascia as the arch collapses more than normal during weight-bearing. This excessive elongation increases tensile stress at the heel insertion and can gradually lead to tissue degeneration and chronic inflammation.

From a biomechanical perspective, the plantar fascia also works closely with the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Tightness in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles increases tension through the Achilles tendon, which in turn increases stress transmitted to the plantar fascia. This explains why calf tightness is frequently associated with plantar fasciitis.

Another key biomechanical mechanism is the windlass mechanism. When the toes extend during push-off, the plantar fascia tightens, elevating the arch and converting the foot into a rigid lever for efficient propulsion. If this mechanism is impaired due to weakness, stiffness, or poor foot mechanics, excessive strain may accumulate in the fascia.

Understanding plantar fasciitis from a biomechanical perspective highlights that it is rarely just a local foot problem. It is often influenced by foot arch structure, ankle mobility, calf flexibility, gait mechanics, and overall kinetic chain function.

Maintaining healthy foot mechanics requires balanced arch support, adequate ankle mobility, strong intrinsic foot muscles, and flexible calf muscles to distribute forces properly during movement.

03/09/2026

Plantar Fasciitis: The Biomechanics Behind Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and is primarily a biomechanical overload injury of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a strong connective tissue band that originates from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extends forward to the metatarsal heads, helping maintain the structural integrity of the foot arch.

From a biomechanical perspective, the plantar fascia acts like a tension cable supporting the medial longitudinal arch. When body weight is transferred onto the foot during walking or standing, the arch naturally flattens slightly. This flattening stretches the plantar fascia, allowing it to store elastic energy that helps the foot function like a spring during push-off.

However, when the mechanical load exceeds the tissue’s capacity, repetitive micro-stress occurs at the fascia’s attachment to the heel. Over time, this leads to microtears, degeneration, and inflammation, which produce the characteristic heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. This pain is usually worst during the first steps in the morning because the fascia tightens overnight and suddenly stretches when weight is applied.

One of the key biomechanical factors behind plantar fasciitis is the windlass mechanism. When the toes extend during walking, the plantar fascia tightens and elevates the arch, converting the foot into a rigid lever for propulsion. If the arch collapses excessively or if the fascia is overstressed repeatedly, the windlass mechanism becomes inefficient, increasing strain on the heel attachment.

Foot structure also plays an important role. In flat feet or excessive pronation, the arch collapses more during weight-bearing, stretching the plantar fascia excessively. Conversely, high arches (supinated feet) create a rigid foot that absorbs less shock, transmitting greater impact forces directly to the heel and fascia.

Another important biomechanical contributor is tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon inserts into the calcaneus, and excessive tension from tight gastrocnemius or soleus muscles increases stress transmitted to the plantar fascia. This explains why reduced ankle dorsiflexion mobility is commonly seen in individuals with plantar fasciitis.

Additionally, prolonged standing, repetitive running, sudden increases in activity, poor footwear, or weak intrinsic foot muscles can increase the mechanical load on the fascia. When these factors combine, the fascia gradually loses its ability to tolerate repeated stress.

Understanding plantar fasciitis from a biomechanical perspective highlights that heel pain is often not just a local problem in the foot. It frequently reflects dysfunction in the entire lower limb kinetic chain, including the ankle, calf muscles, and arch stability.

Improving foot mechanics, restoring calf flexibility, strengthening intrinsic foot muscles, and optimizing load distribution are essential steps in reducing strain on the plantar fascia and restoring normal movement.

03/09/2026

Foot Arch Types & Biomechanics: Understanding How Your Feet Handle Load

The human foot is a complex biomechanical structure designed to support body weight, absorb shock, and propel the body during movement. One of its most important structural features is the medial longitudinal arch, which acts like a dynamic spring. This arch is formed by the coordinated arrangement of bones, ligaments, fascia, and muscles that work together to maintain stability and flexibility during walking and running.

A normal arch allows the foot to balance mobility and stability effectively. During the early phase of gait, the foot slightly pronates to absorb shock as it contacts the ground. As the body moves forward, the foot gradually supinates, becoming a rigid lever that allows efficient push-off. This controlled transition between pronation and supination is essential for efficient energy transfer through the lower limb.

In individuals with a high arch (pes cavus), the foot is typically more rigid and tends to remain in a supinated position. Because the arch does not flatten sufficiently during weight-bearing, the foot loses some of its natural shock absorption capacity. As a result, impact forces are transmitted more directly through the heel, ankle, and up the kinetic chain, which can increase the risk of stress injuries such as ankle sprains, metatarsal stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.

On the other hand, individuals with flat feet (pes planus) often exhibit excessive pronation during gait. In this condition, the medial arch collapses more than normal under body weight. This increased pronation causes prolonged flexibility of the midfoot, reducing the foot’s ability to become a rigid lever during push-off. Consequently, the efficiency of force transfer decreases and additional stress may be placed on structures such as the plantar fascia, tibialis posterior tendon, and medial knee structures.

The biomechanics of the foot are also influenced by several key joints. The talocrural joint primarily controls dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle, while the subtalar joint allows inversion and eversion, which play a major role in pronation and supination mechanics. Additionally, the transverse tarsal joint helps the foot adapt to uneven surfaces by adjusting the flexibility of the midfoot.

Muscles surrounding the ankle and foot further regulate these movements. For example, tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior support the medial arch and help control pronation, while the fibularis (peroneal) muscles assist with eversion and lateral stability. The Achilles tendon and intrinsic foot muscles also contribute to maintaining arch integrity during dynamic activities.

From a biomechanical perspective, the foot functions as the foundation of the kinetic chain. Any alteration in arch mechanics can influence the alignment and loading patterns of the ankle, knee, hip, and even the spine. That is why understanding foot structure is essential when assessing posture, gait mechanics, and lower-limb injuries.

Healthy foot biomechanics depend on a balance between structural alignment, muscular support, and joint mobility, allowing the foot to adapt to ground forces while efficiently transferring energy throughout the body.

02/26/2026

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What is 'toxic load'? Check out a few of the factors that contribute to toxic load to learn how you can avoid it.

02/22/2026

Title: Aerobics During Pregnancy Benefits Baby. Summary: Expectant mothers are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, but the benefits from exercise aren't just for the mother.

09/14/2025

09/14/2025

🎉 Big news from the State of Ohio! 🎉

Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel have officially proclaimed September 2025 as DRUG-FREE PAIN MANAGEMENT AWARENESS MONTH! 🙌✨

This recognition highlights the importance of safe, effective, and drug-free approaches to managing pain—especially chiropractic care that helps people live healthier, fuller lives without relying on opioids or unnecessary drugs. 💪🌿

Together, we celebrate the progress being made in the fight against opioid abuse while raising awareness of the power of natural, drug-free solutions for spinal and musculoskeletal pain.

Let’s spread the word and keep Ohio moving toward a brighter, healthier future! 💙🤍❤️