Introduction
In general, most of us take 3,000-5,000 steps per day. In addition, many of us participate 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 many 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 an individual will experience foot and ankle pain. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Detailed below are a few of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus is an affliction that occurs when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, often practically 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. Hallux Valgus pain is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion has developed, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.
To be clear, the true 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. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to damage to this joint. The problem is normally the result 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. A further cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and produce degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal appropriately can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. However, one of the most prevalent causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women often wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also assist 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 variety 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 ailments is heel pain, and the cause is generally inflammation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that encases the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.
Patients 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 starts just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.
Eventually, inflammation associated with the problem can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally 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.
There are many factors that partly responsible for 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. Frequently the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a condition creates unnecessary stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected 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.
People who are steadily 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 not easy to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your condition and what management is most appropriate. Care 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 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 connecting to the heel bone or calcaneus. Injury to this valuable tendon can make it hard 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 create small tears in the tendon over time. Generally, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but continuously worsens if the individual tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers ascribe their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic damage and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.
Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities include not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are especially vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. 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 adapted to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels. When this occurs, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, thus causing stress and aggravation. 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.
Achilles tendonitis frequently appears in middle-aged people, especially in men who are athletes, because of the changes that transpire in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older producing 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 starting to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and overindulgence 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.
No matter what the cause of the problem, if an individual is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should seek out a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to manage 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 very common. It is approximated that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. However in certain people this development never takes place. Along with genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can cause flat feet, or predispose people to the condition. 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 play a role in the development of the condition. 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 always mean you will have pain, as it is possible for people to have the problem and never feel any annoyance. For people who do develop pain, it generally takes place in the feet and knees, and possibly in the hips and lower back. If you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, your Orlando chiropractor can develop a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing more problems from developing. Chiropractic care includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and resolve 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 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 possibly between them. Discomfort in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones 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 irritation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.
The cause of the distress 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 abnormal mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or too much 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. In addition, excessive or poor running or athletic training can exasserbate the condition because repetitive foot activities directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.
Regardless of the cause, a chiropractor can expertly treat metatarsalgia. After determining 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.
Technorati Tags: achillies tendonitis, bunions, chiropractic care, flat foot, foot pain, orlando chiropractor, plantar fascitis