Introduction
The average person 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. It is no wonder that many people have aches and pains in this part of the body. 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 experience foot and ankle pain. However these factors can also affect the health of a person's back, knees and legs. Listed below are some of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing problem, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, in many cases nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Furthermore, a bump, called a bunion, often develops on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is normally felt 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.
To be clear, the actual challenge 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. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to harm to this joint. The condition is usually the result 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. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and create 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 problem is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women often wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also assist 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 relieve pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
One of the most prevalent foot ailments is heel pain, and the cause is often inflammation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot, attaches the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.
A familiar 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 originates 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 attaches and can create a acute stabbing pain with walking
Those with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often partly responsible as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a powerful contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an forceful pull on the back of the cancaneus. Such a condition creates 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. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant walking patterns (such as over-pronation), unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity all stress the plantar fascia.
Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be constantly on their feet, and those whose activities involve aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more inclined towards getting Plantar Fascitis.
It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and ceaseless. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your condition and what management is most appropriate. Treatment 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 a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg attaching to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this significant tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. More often than not, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause 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 irritation may be relatively minor at first, but continuously 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 harm and intense 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 participate in running and jumping activities, especially those that involve sudden starts and stops. Also at risk are women who typically wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually habituated to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels. When this happens, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is used to, thus creating stress and inflammation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is not possible, 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 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 starting to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and immoderacy in 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 what the cause of the problem, if a person is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should seek out 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 approximated that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. However, some adults never develop an arch. In addition to genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can produce flat feet, or predispose people to the affliction. On occasion 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 condition. Middle-aged individuals 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.
Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any discomfort, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and infrequently in the hips and lower back as well. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you should see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can relieve your pain and prevent further symptoms from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to correct foot function and eliminate 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 dysfunction 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 likely 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 affliction is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.
The reason for the condition can be either structural or functional. When a structural problem happens, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it causes abnormal 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.
Too much 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 inflammation. Also, 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 effectively treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After determining 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.