Oxnard Acupuncture

Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

In the past sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Everyday, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Despite the activity, however, there is always the risk of injury.

The majority of injuries can be put into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this kind of injury causes the sort of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most frequent, although the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. Sprains and strains generally occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be harmed, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.

Traumatic injuries can extend from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It all depends upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains need competent attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury, to insure correct healing and avoid future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.

Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury attention to sprains and strains particularly if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P    Protect injury from further damage
R    Rest the damaged body region
I     Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees

As already mentioned, knowledgeable diagnosis and treatment are vital to a total recovery. A chiropractor can determine the magnitude of your injury and institute proper recovery treatment. When proper management is provided during the various stages of healing, nearly all those who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not cared for attentively, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is experienced in the management of sports injuries can offer the proper advice and management you’ll require to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

These injuries are becoming more widespread, particularly among people involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that necessitates the same movement over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can cause such problems.

Fundamentally, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when an individual is occupied in a repetitious activity that creates a very slight strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems occurs over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer let proper function. There are two kinds of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can frequently be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

There are many extrinsic injury factors.  A wrong grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of insufficient sports equipment that can produce problems. Improper technique, like an awkward golf grip or swing, can cause stress and strain injuries. Another factor is poor conditioning. Some people are injured because they are deconditioned. Added frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Lack of flexibility can cause injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity properly. Warming up is very important before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury.  And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible due to stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.

There are a number of factors that are extrinsic and, hence, within a person’s control. However, most people require an examination by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the severity of injury, and the answer to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit someone from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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Introduction

Generally speaking, most of us take 3,000-5,000 steps each day. Not to mention, many of us participate in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. Is it any wonder then why plenty of people have aches and pains in their feet? Factors such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if an individual will experience foot and ankle pain. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Defined below are several of the most common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing affliction, is evident when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, in many cases nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, often is generated 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 apparent at rest and is generally described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be clear, the true problem 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. It is the harm to this joint that causes the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. Over-pronation that produces undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking causes the prolonged wear and tear that frequently results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that damages the joint and creates degenerative changes is an additional cause. However, one of the more common causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women frequently wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also aid in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you are experiencing Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a range 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 problems is heel pain, and the cause is generally irritation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. 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 repeated compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain originates 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 eventually 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 create a sharp stabbing pain with walking

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a ailment produces unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected 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. 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.

Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be constantly on their feet, and those whose activities include aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis.

It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and unremitting. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what care is most appropriate. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon (the heel cord), is a large tendon that is an extension of the two largest calf muscles. It runs down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is an excruciatingly painful, and often debilitating irritation of the tendon. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The condition may be created by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more often it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce small tears in the tendon over time. Because the symptoms appear gradually, in the beginning many Achilles Tendonitis sufferers may associate the initial pain to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. Nevertheless, the condition will gradually worsen, especially if the person makes an effort to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic injury and severe pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is frequently associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who participate in running and jumping activities, particularly those that include sudden starts and stops. In addition, women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, particularly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually adapt to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels, as the heel isn’t required to stretch all the way to the ground. When this occurs, the switch to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, hence producing stress and aggravation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is not possible, then stretching every morning and night can help to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

As mentioned above, Achilles tendonitis is often age-related, expressly in men who are athletes. As a person ages, the arch tends to flatten producing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Correspondingly, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just beginning to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and overdoing exercise in the beginning can cause tendonitis. 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 problem before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is a widespread condition. It is estimated that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. 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 produce a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are a factor in the development of the affliction. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight people who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any discomfort, 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 pain, your Orlando chiropractor can give you a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems from developing. Chiropractic care includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and resolve 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 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.

The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones join the toe bones or it can extend 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. This depends upon whether the condition is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an aggravation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The reason for the distress can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short producing aberrant mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Surplus body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both contributing factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve irritation. In addition, excessive or poor running or athletic training can exasserbate the condition because repetitive foot activities directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

Whatever the cause, a chiropractor can beneficially treat metatarsalgia. After analysing what factors are underlying your condition, your chiropractor can offer a variety of non-invasive therapies, including orthotics, as well as offer recommendations 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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