Introduction

Generally speaking, nearly everyone takes 3,000-5,000 steps everyday. Furthermore, many of us are involved 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 many people have aches and pains in their feet? Components such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if an individual will get foot and ankle pain. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Defined below are a few of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is evident when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, frequently almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, many times develops on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion is visible, 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 complication, and not the bone, itself. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to damage to this joint. Over-pronation that causes undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking produces the prolonged wear and tear that often results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that harms the joint and produces degenerative changes is another cause. But, one of the most prevalent causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put additional 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 range 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 problem created by irritation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that encases the muscles on the bottom of the foot, adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.

A repeated compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when putting weight on their feet in the morning, as well as pain after getting up after prolonged sitting. The pain starts just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

If left untreated, irritation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally heel spurs. These spurs are a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia adheres and can create a severe 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. One of the most powerful 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. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. 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. 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, unsuitable 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 include aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis.

It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the condition can become extremely painful and unremitting. Chiropractors are highly skilled in not only determining the cause of your problem, but in recommending fitting treatment, 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 intensely painful, and often debilitating irritation of the tendon. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. Often, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce small tears over time, but a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. Because the symptoms appear gradually, in the beginning many Achilles Tendonitis sufferers may ascribe the initial annoyance to the aches and pains that go along with age or fatigue. But, the ailment will gradually worsen, especially if the person tries to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic harm and intense 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 expressly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also, women who routinely wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, expressly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually habituate to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels, as the heel does not have to stretch all the way to the ground. When this comes about, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is used to, thus producing 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.

Achilles tendonitis frequently 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. Likewise, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just beginning 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.

No matter the reason, 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 problem before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is quite prevalent. It is estimated that at least one quarter of humans have flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. However in certain people this development never occurs. In addition to genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can cause 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 are implicated 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 sufferers who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Having flat feet does not always mean you will have pain, as it is possible for individuals to have the ailment and never feel any discomfort. For people who do develop pain, it most often happens in the feet and knees, and possibly in the hips and lower back. If you feel you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, you ought to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can ease your pain and prevent further symptoms from developing. Chiropractic care 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, 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 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.

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

The cause of the condition is due to either structural or functional reasons. When a structural problem takes palce, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it produces aberrant mechanics in the feet and excessive on the entire area. Flat feet or too much arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are frequently in the control of the person. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Surplus weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both add to stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve aggravation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

A chiropractor is able to effectively 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 Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

 

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