How Your Feet Could Be The Root Of Your Pain

Our feet.

An often times neglected part of our bodies, yet so very important.

Have you ever noticed that when your feet hurt, you're more tired? More cranky? Your feet are literally the base of your movement!

In this article we are going to dive in to more information about the feet, what kind of conditions can be diagnosed, and what treatments are beneficial for you!

First, let's start with some facts!

-About 25% of the bones in your body are in your feet!

-The average person walks, on average, a distance equal to 4 times around the earth in a lifetime

-Our left and right feet are not usually the same size

-A quarter of the population has flat feet

-High heels not only change your posture into unnatural positions, they also increased the pressure on the front of the foot...the higher the heel, the more pressure

Common diagnosis include:

• Tarsal tunnel: A burning/tingling sensation in the bottom of the foot, caused by entrapment or pinching of the nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand

• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the fascia at the bottom of the foot, pain typically happens first thing in the morning, or walking after sitting for a long period.

• Stress fractures: Gradual pain that gets worse with activity, and better with rest. Usually found in long distance runners.

• Mortons neuroma: Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, caused by thickening of tissue around nerves in the foot.

• Achilles tendinopathy: Inflammation/irritation of the tendon of the calf complex. Warmth, swelling and pain with activity around the heel is noticed. Can lead to tears.

• Heel spur: A bony growth of the calculus (heel bone), pressure makes the pain worse.

The foot can also have different postural positions that can lead to pain. First, arch position as seen below:

*image from pediatricfootankle.com*

And then position of the ankle, as below:

*image from kinetic.net*

Depending on your daily activities, symptoms, and postural changes like above, different treatments may help your feet operate at their best. Some options include:

• Chiropractic

• Massage

• Acupuncture

• RAPID Neurofascial Release

• IASTM/Graston Techniques

• Osteopathy

• Orthotics

Yes, we can create custom orthotics for you! My colleague Dr. Hayer will assess and scan your foot and discuss the best orthotic option for you.

What can you do at home?

*image from blog.paleohacks.com*

Regardless if you have foot pain or not, checking your foundation is always important. knee, hip and even low back pain may originate all at the foot!