Chiropractic care for feet because Foot pain is a common problem
Some time ago, I had the privilege to volunteer with the medical support crew at the Susan Komen 3 day breast cancer walk right here in San Francisco. 1,400 people with a common goal can generate amazing energy. It is necessary, as walking 20 miles in a day, 3 days in a row is taxing on the feet. Painful feet are often the result at the end of the day. It is one of the main problems we work on in the sports medicine tent. We treated several hundred people with, metatarsalgia (forefoot pain), Plantar Fascitis, tendonitis, midfoot and ankle sprains as well as knee, hip and lower back pain. Fixing up feet was a lot of work but also fun!
Examining a Patients foot mobility
About feet: they are complex
Our feet contain over one quarter of all the bones in the body. There are 26 bones and 20 muscles in each foot. Feet have the complicated and important job. They are flexible enough to accommodate nearly any surface, while providing enough rigidity to efficiently propel our body along and change direction. Muscles and joints are strained, not just from walking but simply from being on the feet for the hours it takes to walk 20 miles. Painful feet are debilitating. Limping can aggravate conditions in other parts of the body, such as knee, hip and lower back.
There are risk factors
Most of us develop foot issues from far less daily mileage than the 3-day walkers. Foot problems can be acute or chronic. Often they develop slowly, building up irritation slowly. Typically there is no pain but only stiffness until we go one step too far. In the example of Plantar Fascitiis multiple factors can be involved; flat feet, a history that involves prolonged standing (think cashier, restaurant work, school teacher etc.), poor footwear, dietary factors. A sudden increase in physical activity can then produce a dramatic amount of pain and inability to engage in regular daily activities.
Chiropractic care for feet can help
We have used Chiropractic and myofascial release for foot problems for 20 years. Foot conditions such as Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia (forefoot pain) are all be treatable. Our approach is effective because joint problems and muscle/tendon/ligament issues are so intertwined and treating them together helps patients recover faster. Tight tissues in the feet and ankles prevent the joints from moving properly. Irritated or inflamed foot joints cause reflex muscle tightening. A vicious cycle of irritated joints and tense muscles worsens the condition. Treating both, we help our patients get back to the meaningful activities of their lives. We are happy to report that many more 3-day walkers reached their goal!
Contact us:
People commonly assume that surgery is the only way to treat foot and ankle pain. If you have foot and ankle pain and are interested in a non-surgical help give us a call 650-348-4233 or send us an message
Interested in getting involved with the 3 day walk? Visit the “Susan Komen for the Cure” website for more info: ww5.komen.org