Posts Tagged ‘flat foot’
How Can Chiropractic Help Foot Pain?
Introduction
In general, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps everyday. 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 components 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. However these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Listed below are a few of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing affliction, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, often practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. In addition, a bump, called a bunion, many times occurs on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is normally experienced 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 frequently described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.
To be clear, the true 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 damage to this joint. The challenge is normally the result 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 harm the joint and produce 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 affliction 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 challenge, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a well known foot ailment caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that encases 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.
People with Plantar Fascitis frequently 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 originates just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.
If left untreated, aggravation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually 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 severe stabbing pain with walking.
There are many factors that are instrumental in 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 crucial contributing factors is muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot, both of which attach to the calcaneus or heel bone. Frequently the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. This creates too much stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that adhere 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, unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.
Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be regularly 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 ailment can become extremely painful and ceaseless. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your problem and what care is most fitting. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon (the heel cord), is a large tendon that is an extension 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 extremely painful, and often debilitating aggravation of the tendon. Harm to this valuable 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 cause small tears over time, although a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. Generally, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but continuously worsens if the individual 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 injury 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 especially vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also at risk are women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually conformed to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels. When this occurs, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, hence producing 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. Achilles tendon conditions are also prevalent in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just novices at exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. 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 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 )
Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is quite prevalent. It is approximated that at least one quarter of humans have flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However in certain people this development never occurs. There are a number of factors, along with genetic disposion that can produce flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can create a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are implicated in the development of the problem. Middle-aged people 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 people have flat feet and never feel any annoyance, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back as well. If you think you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you might want to see your chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can relieve your pain and prevent more symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment 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 is occasionally 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 dyfunction 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 likely between them. Challenges vary from stiffness upon movement 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 reason for the condition can be either structural or functional. When a structural problem takes palce, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it creates abnormal mechanics in the feet and undue stress 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 many times in the control of the sufferer. 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 increase stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve irritation. 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 analyzing the underlying factors, you will receive 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.