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How Can Chiropractic Help Foot Pain?

Introduction

In general, nearly everyone takes 3,000-5,000 steps per day. Not to mention, many of us are engaged in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. Is it any wonder then why a large number of people have aches and pains in their feet? Factors such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if a person will get foot and ankle pain. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Detailed below are some of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, frequently practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, often develops on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is normally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.However, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be apparent at rest and is generally described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be exact, the actual problem is not in the bone, itself, but in the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone, i.e., the first metatarsal-phalangeal. It is the harm to this joint that produces the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. The problem is usually the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that produces aberrant pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. An additional cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and cause degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal appropriately can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. However, one of the most prevalent causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also help in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you have symptoms of Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your condition, and then use a variety of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a prevalent foot problem caused by aggravation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.

Those with Plantar Fascitis many times complain of pain in the morning after first standing when they get out of bed and also when they stand up after having sat for a while. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

Eventually, inflammation associated with the ailment can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia adheres, can cause a acute stabbing pain with walking.

There are many factors that partly responsible for the development of Plantar Fascitis though people who have other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and over-pronation are most susceptible. One of the most crucial contributing factors is muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot, both of which connect to the calcaneus or heel bone. Frequently the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a condition creates unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also create a shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Other factors that stress the plantar fascia include: sudden strenuous activity after a period of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be continuously on their feet, and those whose activities consist of aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more disposed to Plantar Fascitis.

Once someone develops plantar fascitis, it is often hard to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what care is best suited. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating irritation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg attaching to the heel bone or calcaneus. Injury to this significant tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. The challenge may be caused by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more often it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears in the tendon over time. Usually, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but slowly worsens if the sufferer tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers associate their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that accompany age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic injury and excruciating pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities involve not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are particularly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also at risk are women who routinely wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually habituated to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels. When this occurs, the switch to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, hence causing stress and irritation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is absolutely necessary, then stretching every morning and night can help to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis often appears in middle-aged people, especially in men who are athletes, because of the changes that transpire in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon conditions are also prevalent in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just novices at exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just beginning to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Regardless of the cause of the problem, if one is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should contact a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to treat the problem before it becomes severe. Your chiropractor has many years of experience in treating Achilles tendonitis.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is a widespread condition. It is estimated that at least one quarter of people have flat feet. Every baby has flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. Although in certain people this development never occurs. In addition to genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can create flat feet, or predispose people to the condition. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can produce a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also play a role in the development of the condition. Middle-aged individuals who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight individuals who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Having flat feet does not definitely mean you will have pain, as it is possible for individuals to have the problem and never feel any distress. For people who do develop pain, it usually happens in the feet and knees, and infrequently in the hips and lower back. If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, your Orlando chiropractor can give you a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing more problems from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and resolve painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A problem in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones connect the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and possibly between them. Challenges in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. This depends upon whether the problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The cause of the condition is due to either structural or functional reasons. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short creating abnormal mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Excess body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both ancillary factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve aggravation. Furthermore, excessive or poor running or athletic training can contribute to the condition because repetitive foot activities directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

Regardless of the cause, a chiropractor can beneficially care for metatarsalgia. After determining what factors are underlying your condition, your chiropractor can offer a variety of non-invasive therapies, including orthotics, as well as offer recommendations on how you can avoid future pain.

See your Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.