Adjust Away Your Foot Challenges

Introduction

In general, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps per 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. 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 develop foot and ankle pain. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the 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, frequently develops on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is usually felt during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.However, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be present at rest and is generally described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the actual difficulty, and not the bone, itself. It is the harm to this joint that creates the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. The problem is usually the consequence of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that creates undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. A further 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. But, one of the more common causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women often wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also aid 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 problem, 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 common foot problems is heel pain, and the cause is often irritation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. 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.

A familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon standing 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, 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 attaches, can cause a acute stabbing pain with walking.

There are many factors that are instrumental in 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. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a problem causes unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are adhered 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.

People who are constantly 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.

It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and unremitting. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what care is most appropriate. 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 a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg connecting to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this significant 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 frequently it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that create 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. However, the condition 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 harm and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is frequently associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who are involved in running and jumping activities, especially those that contain sudden starts and stops. 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 adapted to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thus creating stress and aggravation. 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.

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. 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 overindulgence 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.

Regardless of how it happened, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is vital 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 estimated that nearly one quarter of humans have Pes Planus, more commonly known as 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 takes place. In addition to genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can produce flat feet, or predispose people to the condition. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can cause a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are a factor in the development of the condition. Middle-aged people 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 most often occurs in the feet and knees, and possibly in the hips and lower back. If you think you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you ought to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can lessen your pain and prevent more symptoms from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to improve 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 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 likely between them. Discomfort 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 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 distress 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 aberrant 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.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are often in the control of the individual. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Excess weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment 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.

No matter the cause, a chiropractor can effectively treat metatarsalgia. After diagnosing what factors are underlying your condition, your chiropractor can offer a variety of non-invasive therapies, including orthotics, as well as advise 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.