Chiropractic Treatment for Foot Pain
If you are suffering with foot pain, it is important to find out what is causing the pain. Below is a summary of some common foot problems. Chiropractors are able to diagnose your foot pain by taking a full case history, i.e. when did the pain start, how did happen, what type of pain is it? The chiropractor then performs orthopaedic and neurological tests to assess the foot. At Soonius Chiropractic, state of the art foot scanning technology is also used to gather information about pressure in the feet while standing and walking. Click here for more information on gait analysis.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that chiropractors can help with. It presents as sharp heel pain that travels along the arch of the foot. The pain is often worse when getting out of bed in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is seen in those with flat feet (over-pronation) and high arched, rigid feet (supinators.) Faulty foot biomechanics means that the foot is not able to absorb shock from ground reaction force very well. The stress is transmitted to the plantar fascia, which causes inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis can be corrected with myofascial release techniques to the plantar fascia, ultrasound, dry needling, massage/stretching of the calf muscles and exercises to improve strength. Custom made insoles, orthotics, may be necessary to correct the underlying foot biomechanics.
METATARSALGIA
Metatarsalgia is felt as pain in the sole of the foot. It can be caused by many factors. Metatarsalgia is most likely due to faulty foot biomechanics, such as a pes planus foot (flat foot) or cavus foot (high arched foot). It may also be caused by increased stress and pressure through the foot by doing repetitive activities like jogging and jumping. Even standing too long in high-heeled shoes can cause metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia is most common in middle-aged women and may be evident as corns or calluses where the metatarsal heads have “dropped”. The best way to manage metatarsalgia is to find out the underlying cause and correct it. This may mean resting from sport or wearing more supportive shoes. It may be appropriate to wear custom made orthotics that are prescribed specifically to support the metatarsal heads. Click here for more information on orthotics.
MORTON’S NEUROMA
Morton’s neuroma is pain in the sole of the foot, which is often between the second and third toe. It may create numbness, tingling and burning in the toes. Morton’s neuroma is named after Dr. Morton who first described this condition in 1876. It is a condition that affects one of the common plantar digital nerves that run between the metatarsal bones in the foot. It is called an entrapment neuropathy. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not known. However, it is thought to develop as a result of chronic (long-standing) stress and irritation of a plantar digital nerve. Morton’s neuroma can be helped with orthotics and wearing wide-fitting shoes. Surgical excision is an option.
If you are experiencing foot pain, contact Soonius Chiropractic for further help and advice.