Introduction

The average individual takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps everyday. In addition, 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 a large number of people have aches and pains in their feet? Several determinants 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 is a problem that happens when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, many times practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing condition that generally develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. 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 apparent at rest and is frequently described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be exact, 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. It is the injury to this joint that creates the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. Over-pronation that creates undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking produces the prolonged wear and tear that frequently results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that damages the joint and creates degenerative changes is a further cause. But, one of the most prevalent causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put additional 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 variety of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most well known foot problems is heel pain, and the cause is generally aggravation 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, 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 upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain starts just in front of the heel bone, but can extend over the entire bottom of the foot.

Eventually, inflammation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and sooner or later 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 severe stabbing pain with walking.

People with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, but other factors often partly responsible as well. 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 attach to the calcaneus or heel bone. Often the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. This produces undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that attach 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. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, abnormal 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 regularly on their feet, and those whose activities involve aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more inclined towards getting Plantar Fascitis.

Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often hard to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. Chiropractors are experts in not only determining the cause of your condition, 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 runs down the back of the lower leg and connects to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is an excruciatingly painful, and often debilitating irritation of the tendon. Injury to this important tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. The problem may be produced by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more often 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 go along with age or fatigue. Nevertheless, the problem will gradually worsen, especially if the person makes an effort to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can take place, resulting in traumatic harm and excruciating 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, particularly those that involve sudden starts and stops. 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 habituated to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, hence producing stress and aggravation. 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, expressly 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. Achilles tendon conditions are also prevalent in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just starting to 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.

Regardless of the cause of the problem, if one is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should seek out a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to provide care for 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 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. But 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 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 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 always mean you will have pain, as it is possible for people to have the condition and never feel any annoyance. For people who do develop pain, it generally happens in the feet and knees, and infrequently in the hips and lower back. If you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, your Orlando chiropractor can give you a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems 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 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 metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A irregularity in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

While many sufferers with metatarsalgia feel discomfort where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel irritation 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 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 problem 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 unusual mechanics in the feet and excessive on the entire area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Excess body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both concurring factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve inflammation. In addition, excessive or poor running or athletic training can affect the condition because repetitive foot activities directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

No matter the cause, a chiropractor can effectively treat metatarsalgia. After determining 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.

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