Family Chiropractic

The average human takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps per day. Add to that activities such as running and aerobic exercise, and we add not only more steps, but stress, to our already overly-worked feet. Is it any wonder then why plenty of people have aches and pains in their feet? Several factors influence whether or not a person will get foot and ankle pain, such as flat or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears. These factors not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Detailed below are several of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing problem, is evident when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, frequently practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. In addition, a bump, called a bunion, often occurs on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is usually felt during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, but if a bunion has developed, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the genuine problem, and not the bone, itself. It is the damage to this joint that produces the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. The challenge is usually the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes aberrant pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can damage the joint and cause degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. However, one of the most recognizable causes of the problem is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women often wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also help in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you are experiencing Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a number of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a prevalent foot affliction produced 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.

Patients with Plantar Fascitis often 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 extend over the entire bottom of the foot.

Over time, aggravation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and sooner or later heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches, can cause a sharp stabbing pain with walking.

There are many factors that partly responsible for the development of Plantar Fascitis although people who have other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and over-pronation are most susceptible. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are an important contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. Such a condition causes unnecessary 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 produce 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, improper footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

People who are constantly on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more disposed to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.

Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become very painful and persistent. Chiropractors are experts in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending appropriate care, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics.
Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon (the heel cord), is a large tendon that is a continuance of the two largest calf muscles. It travels down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is an excruciatingly painful, and often debilitating aggravation of the tendon. Damage to this important tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. Most frequently, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce small tears over time, although a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. In most cases, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but slowly worsens if the person tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers associate their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic damage and excruciating pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities contain not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are particularly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also, women who typically wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, especially if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually habituate to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels, as the heel does not have to stretch all the way to the ground. When this occurs, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thus producing stress and irritation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are required, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis often appears in middle-aged people, particularly in men who are athletes, due to the changes that transpire in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older creating over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Likewise, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just commensing to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and overdoing exercise in the beginning can create tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just commencing to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Despite the origin, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is important for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the ailment before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is approximated that close to one quarter of the population has Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. We are all born with flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. But in certain people this development never takes place. There are a number of factors, besides genetic disposion that can produce flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. Infrequently people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This many times depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also play a role in the development of the problem. Middle-aged persons 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 people to have the ailment and never feel any discomfort. For people who do develop pain, it usually takes place in the feet and knees, and infrequently in the hips and lower back. If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, your  chiropractor can develop a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems from developing. Chiropractic care includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and alleviate 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 is frequently called “ball-of-foot pain,” as it is a pain on the sole 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 dysfunction in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

While many people with metatarsalgia feel pain where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel discomfort along the entire length of the metatarsals and likely between them. Problems in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the condition is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The reason for the distress can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short creating unusual mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

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

A chiropractor is able to beneficially treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After diagnosing the underlying factors, you will be given a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.

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