The most
common foot problem though is Pronation. In pronation, some
of the bones of the foot drop to a less stable position because
the foot arches are too weak to keep them in proper alignment.
The arches themselves may be unnaturally stretched ("flat
feet"), and stress on the entire foot increases. Another
common problem -- one that is often found along with pronation
-- is Plantar Fascitis, a stress irritation of the sheath
of elastic tissues running nearly the entire length of the
foot. If not treated, either condition can lead to progressive
development of foot malfunction and discomfort. Feet can become
"tired and achy" or experience a burning pain, and
walking can begin to feel "clumsy" as you try to
move your foot in a way that avoids further pain.
What
causes foot and ankle problems?
From
the time you learn to walk, your feet assume three crucial
functions: the support your body whenever you stand, walk
or run; they assist you in achieving movement from one place
to another; and they help protect your bones and soft tissues
from damaging shock stress as you move. Being overweight,
having minor structural defects in the feet, or injuries --
all of these factors can contribute to additional foot and
body stress. So even though one - quarter of all of the bones
in your body are in your feet, having to perform these three
strenuous tasks day after day can (and often does) lead to
some type of foot and/or body problem. It’s not surprising
to learn, therefore, that by the age of twenty, nearly 80%
of us have some kind of foot problem, and by the age forty
almost everybody does.
Some
experts believe that a heel spur is the body's attempt to
strengthen its foundation. Being overweight, having abnormal
biomechanics, or running regularly on hard surfaces can cause
excessive stress on the foot, which may lead to the production
of a spur. Other authorities contend that spurs are a normal
part of the aging process; some studies have shown that calcaneal
spurs are a normal part of the aging process; some studies
have shown that calcaneal spurs are more frequently found
in people after age 50. Current data currently available estimates
that between 11% and 16% of the population have heel spurs.
It is also interesting to note that spurs occur almost twice
as often in adult females as they do in adult males.
An acute
ankle injury generally results from a sudden turning in ward
of the foot while supporting the body's weight, or an external
force hitting the body from the side. The quick, extreme pressure
placed upon the ligaments around the ankle can cause them
to tear. A chronic ankle injury often develops over a long
period of time, and can occur if the foot's posture is unstable.
This weakens the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, making
them more likely to tear.
Chiropractic
care for foot and ankle problems:
Chiropractic
is not a glorified aspirin. It is neither a pain therapy nor
a treatment for foot-pain. Yet, foot pain sufferers are turning
to their neighborhood chiropractors in record numbers because
chiropractors treat one of the most common causes of foot
problems. Chiropractors are licensed health care professionals
highly trained to analyze and determine if a subluxation exists,
and then to reduce and correct if it possible.
Depending
upon your specific condition, Dr. Cady can probably provide
you with a conservative (i.e., non-surgical) treatment program
that can help both your feet and your entire posture feel
and function better. But before such a program begins, he
or she may want to perform a complete examination, which may
include checking for tenderness in the foot, analyzing the
posture, taking x-rays, watching how you walk, and looking
over you shoes for signs of improper wear. The treatment you
receive will probably focus in general on reducing swelling,
relieving pain, restoring functional movement and position
through manipulation (adjustment), protecting your foot from
additional stress, and strengthening your foundation, Based
upon the findings, Dr. Cady can develop a program containing
all or some of the following:
