Introduction
The average individual takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps per day. Not to mention, 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? 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 a person will develop foot and ankle pain.
However 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, a slow-developing condition, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, in many cases nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, frequently is generated on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is normally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, but if a bunion has developed, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest. The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the true complication, and not the bone, itself.
The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to injury to this joint. Over-pronation that causes abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking causes the prolonged wear and tear that frequently results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that injures the joint and creates degenerative changes is another cause. However, one of the most recognizable causes of the problem is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women frequently 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 number 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 prevalent foot problem caused by irritation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that surrounds 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. A familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.
If left untreated, inflammation 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 contribute to the development of Plantar Fascitis although 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 powerful contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an intense pull on the back of the cancaneus. This produces unnecessary stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that attach to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will create 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, improper 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 susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis. It is often hard to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the condition can become extremely painful and persistent.
Chiropractors are well-trained in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending appropriate therapy, 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 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 adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Harm to this significant tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The problem may be caused by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more frequently 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 associate the initial annoyance to the aches and pains that accompany age or fatigue. But, the ailment 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 injury 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, particularly 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 adapted to the shortened position created 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, thereby producing stress and irritation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are unavoidable, stretching should be done every morning and night 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 causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Correspondingly, 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 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 contact 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 )
It is approximated that close to 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. Although in certain people this development never happens. There are a number of factors, along with genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. Infrequently people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This frequently depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also are a factor 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 people 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 ailment and never feel any distress. For people who do develop pain, it generally takes place in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, you might want to see your Santa Barbara chiropractor to determine a plan of management that can lessen your pain and prevent more 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 is sometimes 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 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 attach the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and most probably between them. Discomfort in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation.
The amount of pain depends upon whether the problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation 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 causes abnormal mechanics in the feet and undue stress on the entire 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 frequently in the control of the person. 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 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 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 Santa Barbara chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.
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