Foot Problems

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3. Foot Problems

Most foot pain stems from changes in the soft tissues of the foot, or from improper footwear.

Most foot complaints are due to a lack of proper footwear. When your feet hurt, it can be hard to ignore—they are after all involved in how we get from ‘A’ to ‘B’.  For such a relatively small area of the body, there are quite a few things that can go wrong.  For instance:

Bottom of the foot pain

• Degeneration of the heel pad
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tarsal tunnel (Carpal tunnel in the feet!)

Big toe pain

• Bunions
• Repeated sprains
• Gout
• Acute injury

Ankle pain

• Sprains (new and old)
• Knee issues
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Joint dysfunction

 

Have a doctor examine your foot, ankle, and knee and get answers.

Alleviating pain and determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based the discomfort you are experiencing.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

• A health history is obtained, with a focus on any injuries and specific pain occurrences.  This will assist in determining if your issue may have ties to specific activities.
• A cursory general examination is performed, along with a comprehensive evaluation of the foot, ankle and knee.
• Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
• Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.
• X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

 

Treatments can include an adjustment, and Graston Technique to relieve and help you work through joint dysfunction and tight soft tissues.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

• Chiropractic adjustment
• Graston Technique
• Muscle and soft tissue work
• Ultrasound therapy
• Footwear and footwear support changes
• Lifestyle/dietary changes (i.e. for Gout)

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as you begin to get relief, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is important, because it takes into account how your body is responding to the treatments.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  To get treatment for foot pain contact Dr. Christie.

HOME TIP:

If the bottom of your feet feels tight, especially in the morning, rolling a golf ball under the foot while gently applying downward pressure can help loosen the fascia on the bottom of the foot.