FOOT PAIN
Foot pain is extremely common among athletes and the general population alike. Overuse injuries and traumatic foot injuries can severely affect someone's lifestyle, as much of our daily functions involve walking. Below are the most common types of foot pain that our clients deal with:
Achilles Tendinitis
The achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the back of the heel bone to your calf muscle. As it contracts it pulls your heel off the ground, allowing you to walk, jog and jump. It is an extremely common injury to runners and basketball players. Males in their 40s and 50s are more predisposed as they get less flexible with age. With overuse of the achilles tendon from running and sports, extra stress is placed on the tendon and over time this can lead to pain and weakness. Symptoms can include mild swelling in the back of your heel, difficulty rising up onto your toes, or a sharp pain with an abrupt movement during sports. Physical therapy from your chiropractor can help tremendously with recovery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fascia pain is the most common type of foot pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous tissue that provides support for the arch of the foot. It acts as a shock absorber for the foot and inserts onto you heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury to this tissue. Clients who overpronate through their feet, are obese, or increase their running mileage too quickly are more predisposed to this pain. Symptoms include sharp pain at the base of the heel, especially first thing in the morning, which gets better as the person walks more. Consultation is essential for plantar fascia pain, as without guidance this type of foot pain can last for a long period of time. Generally ice and rest will decrease pain in the short term. However in the long term, proper footwear changes, strengthening of the calf and foot muscles, and soft tissue treatment is needed for resolution.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is another term for pain on the forefoot or the 'balls of the feet'. Athletes who run and jump a lot are suseptible to inflammation on the ends of the forefoot. Causes include unsupportive footwear, over-pronation of the feet and a sharp increase in jumping activities. Pain is usually gradual in onset, passive motion of the feet hurt the most, their may be calluses or changes to the bottom of the foot. Consultation is important to understand the weight distribution of the feet, and assess gait and jumping habits.
Plantar Fasciitis, achilles tendinitis and metatarsalgia are all treated by our chiropractors. We recommend consultation by one of our specialists for an individualized plan for foot pain.
Achilles Tendinitis
The achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the back of the heel bone to your calf muscle. As it contracts it pulls your heel off the ground, allowing you to walk, jog and jump. It is an extremely common injury to runners and basketball players. Males in their 40s and 50s are more predisposed as they get less flexible with age. With overuse of the achilles tendon from running and sports, extra stress is placed on the tendon and over time this can lead to pain and weakness. Symptoms can include mild swelling in the back of your heel, difficulty rising up onto your toes, or a sharp pain with an abrupt movement during sports. Physical therapy from your chiropractor can help tremendously with recovery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fascia pain is the most common type of foot pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous tissue that provides support for the arch of the foot. It acts as a shock absorber for the foot and inserts onto you heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury to this tissue. Clients who overpronate through their feet, are obese, or increase their running mileage too quickly are more predisposed to this pain. Symptoms include sharp pain at the base of the heel, especially first thing in the morning, which gets better as the person walks more. Consultation is essential for plantar fascia pain, as without guidance this type of foot pain can last for a long period of time. Generally ice and rest will decrease pain in the short term. However in the long term, proper footwear changes, strengthening of the calf and foot muscles, and soft tissue treatment is needed for resolution.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is another term for pain on the forefoot or the 'balls of the feet'. Athletes who run and jump a lot are suseptible to inflammation on the ends of the forefoot. Causes include unsupportive footwear, over-pronation of the feet and a sharp increase in jumping activities. Pain is usually gradual in onset, passive motion of the feet hurt the most, their may be calluses or changes to the bottom of the foot. Consultation is important to understand the weight distribution of the feet, and assess gait and jumping habits.
Plantar Fasciitis, achilles tendinitis and metatarsalgia are all treated by our chiropractors. We recommend consultation by one of our specialists for an individualized plan for foot pain.
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