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In general, nearly everyone takes 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. Is it any wonder then why many people have aches and pains in their feet? 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. However these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Defined below are some of the commonplace 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, often almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Furthermore, a bump, called a bunion, often develops on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is usually apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion is present, 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 problem, and not the bone, itself. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to injury to this joint. Over-pronation that produces aberrant pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking causes the prolonged wear and tear that many times results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that injures the joint and creates degenerative changes is another cause. However, one of the more common causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put additional 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 problem, and then use a number of chiropractic techniques and modalities to relieve pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a prevalent foot ailment created by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that encircles 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 familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when they first stand up in the morning, as well as pain upon standing after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can extend over the entire bottom of the foot.
Over time, irritation associated with the condition 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 sharp stabbing pain with walking
Those with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a powerful contributing factor. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a problem causes unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are adhered to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will cause 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, unsuitable 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 inclined towards getting 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 difficult to manage and can become very painful and persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what treatment is best suited. 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 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. Harm to this important tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. Most frequently, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce 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 have to do with age or fatigue. Nevertheless, the problem 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 contain not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are particularly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also, women who routinely 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 adapt to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels, as the heel isn’t required to stretch all the way to the ground. When this occurs, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is used to, thus causing stress and irritation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are deemed necessary, 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. Achilles tendon problems are also widespread 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 flexibility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just starting to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.
No matter the reason, 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 )
Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is very common. It is estimated 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 affliction. 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 implicated 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 definitely mean you will have pain, as it is possible for individuals to have the problem and never feel any discomfort. For people who do develop pain, it most often happens in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back. If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, your San Jose chiropractor can prepare a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to correct 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 frequently 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.
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 likely between them. Problems 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 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 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 creating aberrant 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.
Excess body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both ancillary factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve inflammation. Furthermore, 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.
A chiropractor is able to expertly treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After determining 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 San Jose chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.
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