Chiropractic Seattle Style has treated plenty of foot pain sufferers, and knows all too well how prevalent painful foot problems are these days. Here’s why: We all know that movement is beneficial for the entire body, right? From our head to our toes, our good health is highly affected by how much physical exercise we get on a regular basis. So, why do so many individuals suffer from aches and pains in their feet? After all, our feet are made for walking, aren’t they? The answer, of course, is “yes,” but they aren’t designed for mistreatment.
The average, healthy individual takes 3,000-5,000 steps each day, not counting activities such as running and aerobic exercise. But, many times those steps are taken by people walking improperly, with clumsy gait patterns and bad posture.
Furthermore, a large number of individuals wear poorly-designed, improperly-fitting shoes. Walking and exercising on feet that are inhibited from performing as they were meant to cannot help but to create aches and pains not only in a number of places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, too. For example, 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 more than likely experience challenges in the back, knees and legs.
The most common foot problem is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is most frequently caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is an extraordinary, 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. It goes without saying, then, that the healthy function of the plantar fascia is crucial for pain-free walking and exercise.
There are many factors 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 running and jumping activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis, the wearing of high heels can produce the problem.
Other factors that contribute to Plantar Fascitis include sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, incorrect walking patterns (such as over-pronation), improper footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity.
Once developed, Plantar Fascitis is frequently difficult to manage and can become extremely painful and persistent. Plantar Fascitis won’t go away without proper treatment.
If you are suffering from the pain of Plantar Fascitis, your chiropractor will be able to determine the reason for your problem and what chiropractic treatment would be most appropriate. Such care might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.