In my mid-20s, running was a consistent part of my lifestyle. It helped me stay healthy, manage stress, and feel my best. I was also already seeing my chiropractor about once a month for wellness care. Those visits helped me stay aligned overall, but despite that consistency, I began experiencing chronic pain in my right hip.
At first, I assumed it was simply part of being an active runner. Tight muscles, mileage, or overuse all seemed like reasonable explanations. When the pain worsened, I increased my visits. Each adjustment brought relief—but only temporarily. I would feel great for about two weeks before the discomfort returned. While chiropractic care clearly helped, my body wasn’t holding the adjustments.
That’s when we looked deeper—starting from the ground up.
A thorough evaluation revealed that my right foot rolled inward more than my left, a condition known as pronation. Although subtle, this imbalance changed how force traveled through my body with every step, especially while running. My right hip was compensating repeatedly, leading to stress, misalignment, and pain.
I was fitted with Foot Levelers custom orthotics to support proper foot mechanics and reduce excessive pronation. The results were immediate and lasting. My hip pain resolved, my adjustments held, and I returned to running without discomfort.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that this experience wouldn’t just change how I viewed my own pain—it would completely reshape how I thought about foot mechanics in others.