Adjust Away Your Foot Pain
Introduction
The average individual takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps each day. Furthermore, many of us participate in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. It is no wonder that many people have aches and pains in this part of the body. 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 someone will develop foot and ankle pain. However these factors can also affect the health of a person's back, knees and legs. Listed below are several of the most common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is apparent when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, in many cases almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. In addition, a bump, called a bunion, many times is generated on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is normally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, however 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 true difficulty, and not the bone, itself. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to injury to this joint. The problem is usually the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. A further cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and create degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. Although, one of the more common causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also assist in pushing the big toe to the outside.
If you think you may have Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to relieve pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
One of the most well known foot afflictions is heel pain, and the cause is often inflammation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.
A frequent compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when they first stand up in the morning, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain originates just in front of the heel bone, but can extend over the entire bottom of the foot.
If left untreated, inflammation associated with the ailment can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally 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 contribute to the development of Plantar Fascitis but 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 a crucial contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. This creates too much stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that adhere to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will produce a shorting and tightening of the calf muscles, as will running and jumping activities. 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 steadily on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more inclined towards getting Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.
Once a person develops plantar fascitis, it is often difficult to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what treatment is most fitting. Care 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 aggravation 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 adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Injury to this valuable tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. The problem may be created by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more commonly it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears in the tendon over time. Because the symptoms appear gradually, in the beginning many Achilles Tendonitis sufferers may attribute the initial discomfort to the aches and pains that accompany age or fatigue. But, the ailment will gradually worsen, especially if the person attempts to "work through" the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic damage and excruciating pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.
Achilles tendonitis is many times associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who are involved in running and jumping activities, particularly those that include sudden starts and stops. Also, women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, particularly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually adapt to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels, as the heel doesn't need to stretch all the way to the ground. When this happens, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is used to, hence creating stress and irritation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is unavoidable, then stretching every morning and night can help to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.
As mentioned above, Achilles tendonitis is often age-related, especially in men who are athletes. As a person ages, the arch tends to flatten creating over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Correspondingly, problems are also common in the "weekend warrior" who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just starting to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and overindulgence in exercise in the beginning can cause tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just beginning to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.
Regardless of how it happened, 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 condition before it becomes severe.
Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )
Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is a widespread condition. It is approximated that at least one quarter of people have flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. Altho
ugh in certain people this development never takes place. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. 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 problem. 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.
Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any discomfort, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, your Orlando chiropractor can develop a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing more problems from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to improve 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 is sometimes 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 pain is caused by a problem in one or more of the five metatarsal bones that extend from about halfway up the foot to the toes.
While many patients with metatarsalgia feel pain where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel discomfort along the entire length of the metatarsals and possibly between them. Discomfort 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 distress is due to either structural or functional reasons. When a structural problem happens, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it produces aberrant mechanics in the feet and unnecessary on the entire area. Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.
Surplus 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 contribute to 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 analyzing the underlying factors, you will be offered a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised 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.