Posts Tagged ‘orlando chiropractor’

How Can Chiropractic Help Foot Pain?

Thursday, April 30th, 2009


In general, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps everyday. Add to that activities kamagra cheap 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 many 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. In addition these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Detailed below are some of the most common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus is an affliction that occurs when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, many times nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing problem that generally develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is generally felt during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.However, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be felt at rest and is often described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be exact, the actual problem 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 harm to this joint that creates the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. Over-pronation that produces abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking produces the prolonged wear and tear that many times results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that harms the joint and produces degenerative changes is a further cause. But, 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 help 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 problem, and then use a number of chiropractic techniques and modalities to relieve pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a prevalent foot affliction caused by aggravation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that encases the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing 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 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 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 is connected, can cause a sharp stabbing pain with walking.

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, although other factors often instrumental as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are an important contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. This produces unnecessary stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that connect 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 moneygram california of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

People who are continuously on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.

Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become very painful and persistent. Chiropractors are experts in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending appropriate care, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy 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 an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this significant tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The condition may be caused 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 annoyance to the aches and pains that go along with age or fatigue. But, the condition 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 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, particularly those that include sudden starts and stops. However, women who buying online propecia regularly wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, particularly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually adapt to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels, as the heel does not have to stretch all the way to the ground. When this occurs, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thereby causing stress and inflammation. 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 generally appears in buy clomid online without a prescription middle-aged people, particularly in men who are athletes, due to the changes that transpire in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older creating over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon conditions are also common 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 beginning 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 crucial 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 )

It is approximated that nearly one quarter of the population has 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, some people never develop an arch. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can produce 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 problem. 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 distress, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and infrequently in the hips and lower back as well. If you feel you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you should see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can lessen your pain and prevent further symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and alleviate 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 irregularity in one or more of the five metatarsal bones that extend from about halfway up the foot to the toes.

While many sufferers with metatarsalgia feel pain where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel irritation along the entire length of the metatarsals and likely between them. Problems vary from stiffness upon movement to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the condition 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 unusual mechanics in the feet and undue stress on the entire area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Surplus body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both contributing factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve irritation. Also, 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.

Regardless of the cause, a chiropractor can expertly care for metatarsalgia. After analysing 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.