Generally speaking, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps per 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 a large number of people have aches and pains in this part of the body. Several components 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. These factors not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Detailed below are several of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus is a condition that takes place 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 condition 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.But, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be present at rest and is often described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be clear, the actual 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 damage to this joint that produces the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. The problem is generally the aftereffect 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. 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. Although, 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 have symptoms of Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your condition, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most common foot afflictions is heel pain, and the cause is usually inflammation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It attaches the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.

Those 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 begins just in front of the heel bone, but can extend over the entire bottom of the foot.

If left untreated, irritation associated with the ailment 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 adheres and can cause a acute stabbing pain with walking

There are many factors that are instrumental in the development of Plantar Fascitis though 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 crucial contributing factor. Frequently the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a condition produces unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected 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. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant walking patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate 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 continuously on their feet, and those whose activities involve aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more disposed to Plantar Fascitis.

It is often hard to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and ceaseless. Chiropractors are well-trained in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending appropriate treatment, 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 a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg attaching to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this significant tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. More often than not, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that create small tears over time, although a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. 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 ailment will gradually worsen, especially if the person attempts 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.

Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities involve not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are expressly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. In addition, women who typically 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 habituate 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 comes about, the switch 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 not possible, 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. Similarly, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just beginning 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 starting to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Despite the origin, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is important for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the ailment before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is estimated that almost 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. However, some individuals never develop an arch. 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 create a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are implicated in the development of the affliction. 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 occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, your Orlando chiropractor can prepare a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing further problems from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to improve 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 pain is caused by a dyfunction 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 pain where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel discomfort along the entire length of the metatarsals and possibly between them. Challenges vary from stiffness upon movement to a burning or stinging sensation. The amount of pain 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 cause of the problem 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 creates abnormal mechanics in the feet and unnecessary 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 often in the control of the sufferer. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Too much weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both increase stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve aggravation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

Regardless of the cause, a chiropractor can beneficially treat metatarsalgia. After analysing what factors are underlying your condition, your chiropractor can offer a variety of non-invasive therapies, including orthotics, as well as give advice 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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