Introduction
Overall, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps each day. Furthermore, many of us are engaged in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. It is no wonder that a large number 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 a person will experience 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 a few of the most common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus is a condition that happens when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, frequently nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing problem that usually develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is generally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.Although, 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 precise, the genuine 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 injury to this joint. The condition is normally the consequence of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that produces abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and create degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal effectively can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. But, one of the most prevalent causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also assist in pushing the big toe to the outside.
If you are experiencing 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 well known foot problem produced by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that surrounds 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.
Those with Plantar Fascitis many times 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 starts just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.
Eventually, aggravation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually 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 create a severe 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 contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. Often the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. This produces too much stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that attach 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, improper footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.
People who are steadily on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more disposed to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.
Once someone develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become painfully persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what management is most appropriate. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping 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 a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg connecting to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this significant tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The problem may be produced by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more frequently it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce small tears in the tendon over time. In most cases, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The discomfort may be relatively minor at first, but slowly worsens if the person tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers associate their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that go along with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic harm and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.
Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities involve 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 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, hence causing stress and aggravation. Therefore, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are required, 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. Achilles tendon pain is 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.
Despite the cause of the problem, if one is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should consult 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 )
It is likely that nearly one quarter of the population has Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. Although in certain people this development never takes place. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can produce flat feet, or predispose a person to the affliction. 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.
Having flat feet does not definitely mean you will have pain, as it is possible for some people to have the problem and never feel any distress. For people who do develop pain, it most often happens in the feet and knees, and possibly in the hips and lower back. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you ought to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can ease your pain and prevent more symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment 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 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 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 people with metatarsalgia feel discomfort where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel pain along the entire length of the metatarsals and likely between them. Discomfort vary from stiffness upon movement to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an aggravation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.
The cause of the problem is due to either structural or functional reasons. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short producing 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.
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 aggravation. 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.
A chiropractor is able to expertly treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After diagnosing 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 Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.
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