Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing problem, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, often almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. In addition, a bump, called a bunion, many times develops on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is generally felt during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion has developed, 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 actual difficulty, and not the bone, itself. It is the damage to this joint that creates the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. The challenge is generally the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes aberrant pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can harm the joint and cause degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal effectively can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. Although, one of the more common causes of the problem is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also assist in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you have symptoms of Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your problem, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a common foot affliction produced by aggravation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.

A frequent compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain when putting weight on their feet in the morning, as well as pain after getting up after prolonged sitting. The pain starts just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

Eventually, irritation associated with the problem 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 attaches and can produce a acute stabbing pain with walking

There are many factors that are instrumental in the development of Plantar Fascitis though people who have other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and over-pronation are most susceptible. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are an important contributing factor. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. This causes unnecessary stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that adhere 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, inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

People who are steadily 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.

It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and unremitting. Chiropractors are highly skilled in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending beneficial therapy, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating aggravation 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 adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Injury to this important tendon can make it difficult or even impossible to walk. Most frequently, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears over time, but 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 accompany age or fatigue. Nevertheless, the ailment will gradually worsen, especially if the person tries to “work through” the pain. 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.

Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities include not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are expressly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. 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 adapted to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the switch to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thereby causing stress and irritation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are required, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

As mentioned above, Achilles tendonitis is often age-related, especially 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 prevalent 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 starting to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Regardless of how it happened, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is crucial 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 )

It is approximated that nearly one quarter of the population has Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. We are all born with flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. Although in certain people this development never occurs. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the condition. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can cause a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. 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.

Some people have flat feet and never feel any distress, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, your Ventura chiropractor can develop a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to improve foot function and alleviate 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 metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A dysfunction in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

While many patients with metatarsalgia feel irritation where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel irritation along the entire length of the metatarsals and possibly between them. Discomfort in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. The amount of pain 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 reason for the condition can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short causing abnormal 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.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are often in the control of the person. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Too much weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both increase stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve irritation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, 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 diagnosing 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 Ventura chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

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