Chiropractic Care Can Help You Get Rid of Foot Pain
October 3rd, 2009 | by admin |Your Dallas Chiropractor has treated plenty of people suffering from foot pain, and knows all too well how prevalent painful foot problems are these days. Here’s why: We all know that movement is good for every part of body, right? In fact, our overall good health is determined by our getting regular physical exercise. If that’s the case, you may be wondering why so many people suffer from foot pain. After all, aren’t our feet made for walking? Yes, but they aren’t designed for mistreatment.
The average, healthy individual takes 3,000-5,000 steps per day, not counting activities like running and aerobic exercise. However, frequently those steps are taken by people walking inadequately, with poor gait patterns and unhealthy posture.
Moreover, many people wear poorly-designed, improperly-fitting shoes. Moving the body through space incorrectly on feet that are inhibited from performing correctly cannot help but to create aches and pains not only in various places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, as well. As a case in point, if a person over-pronates (walks like a duck) in a pair of poorly-made or unevenly-worn shoes, or in any pair of high heels, that individual is not only likely to develop foot and ankle challenges, but will probably experience challenges in the back, knees and legs.
The most commonplace foot problem is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is most frequently caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a superbly-made, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot, adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock. As you can see, the healthy function of the plantar fascia is essential for pain-free walking and exercise.
There are many determinants that can be considered reasons for the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. Undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia occurs when calf muscles get short and tight, exerting a strong pull on the back of the heel bone. What causes calf muscles to get short and tight? Besides aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, tennis, and similar activities that involve running and jumping, the wearing of high heels can cause the condition.
Other elements that can be instrumental in producing Plantar Fascitis include sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant gait patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity.
Once developed, Plantar Fascitis is generally not easy to manage and can become intensely painful and tenacious. Plantar Fascitis won’t go away without appropriate care.
If you are suffering from heel pain, your chiropractor will be able to establish the cause of your condition and what chiropractic treatment would be best suited. Treatment might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.
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