How Chiropractors Address Foot and Ankle Problems
Many people assume that chiropractors only treat back or neck pain. In reality, chiropractic care extends far beyond the spine; it also includes your feet, relieving almost all types of foot and ankle problems. At Alliance Orthopedics, our dedicated foot and ankle team handles all foot and ankle challenges.
Your feet carry the entire weight of your body, so it’s no surprise that when foot problems arise, they can lead to pain in other areas, like the hips and knees. If you’ve been struggling with foot and ankle pain, our chiropractors can help relieve discomfort and imbalance without solely relying on strong medications. Let’s explore how chiropractic adjustments can assist in reducing foot and ankle pain.
👉 Also Read: The Benefits of Chiropractic Care
The Importance of Foot Health
Our feet are more complex than we often realize. They contain bones, muscles, and soft tissues that work together to keep us moving. But even one part, if off or injured, can throw your whole body out of balance.
Foot issues don’t just stay in your feet; they can mess with your posture, affect blood flow, and lead to nagging pain in your back, hips, and knees. For example, plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the feet and causes serious heel pain; it can also radiate to your leg, affecting your gait. It’s important to treat foot or ankle issues as they arise before it becomes difficult to walk, run, and enjoy your life as you want.
Can Chiropractors Diagnose Foot and Ankle Problems?
Yes, chiropractors can diagnose foot and ankle problems. They are trained to assess the entire musculoskeletal system, including the feet. Chiropractors can identify the underlying causes of foot and ankle pain, such as misalignments, big toe angles, nerve damage, or an overuse injury, by evaluating your gait, posture, and foot structure.
After diagnosing the issue, they create a personalized treatment plan, which may include adjustments, exercises, physical therapy, and recommendations for better footwear to address the root cause of the problem.
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions that Chiropractors Can Treat
A chiropractor can treat multiple foot-related issues, helping relieve foot and ankle pain, improve balance, and even restore mobility. Here are some common foot and ankle issues that professional chiropractors can diagnose and treat:
Pronation of the Feet
Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively while walking or standing. This condition can be caused by factors such as muscle weakness in the calf and foot, improper footwear, prolonged standing, or genetic predispositions. Pronation often leads to complications like bunions, hammer toes, flat feet, and a widening of the forefoot. While some treatments involve insoles or orthotics, chiropractors focus on addressing the underlying muscle imbalances and mechanical issues to restore proper foot alignment and function.
Sprains
We’ve all taken a misstep and rolled an ankle, but when it happens, it’s more than just discomfort. Sprains overstretch the ligaments in your foot or ankle, causing pain and instability. Our chiropractors use gentle techniques to get you back on your feet faster and prevent further damage.
Flat Feet/Fallen Arches
Having flat feet isn’t just about foot pain; it can affect your entire body, from knee discomfort to back pain. Our chiropractors often suggest custom orthotics or foot pads (shoe inserts) to help realign your feet and improve overall posture. It keeps you comfortable whether you’re walking or standing.
👉 Also Read: The Role of Orthotics In Treating Foot Pain
Achilles Tendonitis
Whether from overuse or tight calf muscles, inflammation of the Achilles tendon can make walking a struggle. A chiropractor can work with you to relieve this pain through targeted adjustments and exercises, helping you regain your mobility without aggravating the condition.
Plantar Fasciitis
If you wake up with sharp heel pain that makes you wince with each step, you probably have plantar fasciitis. This condition causes inflammation of the ligament along the bottom of your foot.
Our certified chiropractors use techniques to address the misalignment of the feed, which is crucial to relieving pain and walking comfortably.
Heel Spurs
That sharp discomfort when you step down could be due to heel spurs – bony growths on the heel bone. Our chiropractors can help alleviate severe foot pain with specific adjustments, which reduces stress on your feet, so you feel more comfortable while walking.
Arthritis
Inflammation in the joints can turn something as simple as walking into a challenge. Whether it’s the big toe joint, narrow toe box, or other areas of the foot, chiropractic care can help ease the pain and improve your foot’s normal range of motion without resorting to medication or surgery.
These are just a few foot conditions that chiropractors can treat. You can rely on these professionals for almost every problem that impacts the bones, muscles, and ligaments in your feet.
Benefits of Chiropractic Foot and Ankle Care
When it comes to foot problems, chiropractic care offers more than just temporary relief. The benefits go beyond easing pain, as the targeted adjustments address the root cause of the issue to improve your overall well-being.
Some of the benefits of chiropractic care for foot and ankle problems include:
Natural Pain Relief
Chiropractors focus on misalignments and body mechanics to provide holistic pain relief in the foot, ankle, and even the knees.
Improved Mobility
Foot pain impacts your ability to do the things you love. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper movement of the ball of your foot and other components, so you can again enjoy long walks and other activities without restrictions.
Prevention of Future Issues
By proactively addressing existing problems, chiropractors help prevent future injuries and chronic conditions.
No Invasive Procedures
Chiropractic care serves as a non-invasive option, as it utilizes adjustments, and stretches. The chiropractor may also recommend you wear shoes with good arch support for maximum comfort.
Enhanced Overall Health
Healthy feet serve as a foundation for your body’s posture and movement. Proper alignment relieves strain on the spine, hips, and knees, contributing to overall health.
Signs that It’s Time to See a Chiropractor for Foot or Ankle Issues
Feet pain only worsens with time, and it may require foot surgery if not addressed properly. Here are some signs that you should seek chiropractic care without delay:
- You are experiencing challenges in walking, standing, or balancing, and it has become difficult to move without support.
- Severe pain due to a broken bone or rheumatoid arthritis has become a part of your life, and it has started to impact your sleep and morning routine.
- You feel a sensation in your third and fourth toes that transcends to the entire feet and makes you feel uncomfortable.
- The shape of your foot has changed due to an injury like a heel fracture caused by wearing shoes, and it isn’t healing with medicine.
- You have sustained a foot or ankle injury due to poorly fitting shoes or other reasons that have become a source of pain.
Get Relief from Foot and Ankle Problems with Alliance Orthopedics
If foot pain has started to creep into your life, and pain relievers are not helping, you should see a chiropractor for a long-term solution.
At Alliance Orthopedics, we specialize in treating foot and ankle issues through natural, non-invasive methods that address the root cause of your discomfort. From plantar fasciitis to flat feet, we help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.
Don’t wait for the pain to rob the joy of your life. Contact us today to get relief from all foot and ankle problems.