Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, often practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, many times develops on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is generally apparent 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 precise, the true dysfunction 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 condition is generally the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that creates undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can damage the joint and create degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. Although, 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 extra stress on the joint, but also help 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 challenge, 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 prevalent foot afflictions is heel pain, and the cause is generally irritation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. 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.

A familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when they first stand up in the morning, as well as pain after getting up after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

Over time, inflammation associated with the problem can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally 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 cause a acute stabbing pain with walking

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, but other factors often partly responsible as well. One of the most crucial contributing factors is muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot, both of which attach to the calcaneus or heel bone. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. Such a problem produces unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are adhered to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also cause a shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, atypical walking patterns (such as over-pronation), unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity all stress the plantar fascia.

People who are continuously 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 an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often hard to manage and can become painfully persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your condition and what treatment is most fitting. 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 inflammation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg connecting to the heel bone or calcaneus. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The challenge may be caused 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 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 accompany age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can take place, resulting in traumatic harm and excruciating pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is often associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who are involved in running and jumping activities, specifically those that involve sudden starts and stops. 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 habituated to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, hence causing stress and aggravation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is absolutely necessary, 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, as a result of the changes that occur in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older causing 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 a person is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should contact 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 close to one quarter of humans have Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However in certain people this development never takes place. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the condition. Sometimes people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This many times depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also are a factor in the development of the problem. Middle-aged persons 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.

Having flat feet does not necessarily mean you will have pain, as it is possible for some people to have the problem and never feel any annoyance. 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 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 additional problems from developing. Chiropractic therapy 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, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom 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 irritation where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel discomfort along the entire length of the metatarsals and most probably 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 problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The cause of the condition 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 produces aberrant mechanics in the feet and unnecessary on the entire area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are many times in the control of the person. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Excess weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve inflammation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

A chiropractor is able to beneficially treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After determining the underlying factors, you will be given 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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