Introduction
In general, nearly everyone takes 3,000-5,000 steps each day. 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. It is no wonder that plenty of people have aches and pains in this part of the body. 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 an individual will develop foot and ankle pain. These factors not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Defined below are several of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus is a condition that occurs when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, frequently almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing condition that usually develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. Hallux Valgus pain is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion is visible, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.
To be precise, the genuine dysfunction 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. The problem is usually the consequence of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that creates abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. A further cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and create degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. Although, 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 extra stress on the joint, but also assist 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 number of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
One of the most prevalent foot afflictions 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 surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot, attaches the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.
A frequent compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when putting weight on their feet in the morning, as well as pain after getting up after prolonged sitting. The pain starts just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.
Over time, inflammation associated with the problem can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and sooner or later heel spurs. These spurs are a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches and can produce a sharp stabbing pain with walking
People with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often partly responsible as well. 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 connect to the calcaneus or heel bone. Often the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a condition causes unusual stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are attached to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also create 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 continuously on their feet, and those whose activities consist of aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more inclined towards getting Plantar Fascitis.
Once a person develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. Chiropractors are well-trained in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending beneficial 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 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 attaching to the heel bone or calcaneus. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. The condition may be created by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more often 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 ascribe the initial annoyance to the aches and pains that go along with 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 damage and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.
Achilles tendonitis is often 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 routinely wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually conformed 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 accustomed to, thereby producing stress and inflammation. 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, 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 starting to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and immoderacy in exercise in the beginning can produce tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just beginning to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.
Despite the cause of the problem, if an individual 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 )
Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is a widespread condition. It is likely that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. Every baby has flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However in certain people this development never takes place. Along with genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can produce flat feet, or predispose people to the problem. 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 affliction. 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.
Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any discomfort, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you might want to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of treatment that can lessen your pain and prevent more symptoms from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to correct 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 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 patients 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 vary from stiffness upon movement 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 reason for the distress can be either structural or functional. 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 extreme 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 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 add to 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.
No matter the cause, a chiropractor can expertly care for 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.
