Foot and Ankle Pain

Take a stand against your foot and ankle pain.

If you think about it, how long do you stand on your feet every day? If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, you might be overly aware of just how often you use them! Foot and ankle pain can greatly impact your quality of life and affect your ability to function independently throughout your day. People suffering from these conditions typically avoid activities that cause extra pressure or stress on their feet because it causes uncomfortable pain sensations. Foot and ankle pain can stem from a variety of different causes, but Vitality Health Care, Family Chiropractic can help get you back on track.

Common Foot and Ankle Pain Conditions:
Pain in the feet and ankles can be brought on very suddenly due to an acute injury such as a fall or sprain, but it can also develop overtime as a result of an underlying condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several common causes of foot pain and ankle pain, including some of the following conditions:

Arthritis - Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the joints. It results in moderate to severe pain. The most common types include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, both of which can greatly impact the joints in the foot and ankle.

Plantar fasciitis - Plantar fasciitis is another inflammatory condition occurring in the connective tissue on the bottom of your feet. This can occur from irritated overuse, such as standing for a long time, poor posture, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.

Tendinitis - Tendinitis occurs from excessive overuse of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed for a long time.

Fractures - A fracture occurs from excessive force or blunt trauma to the bone, causing it to crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing, and can even result in having to leave work for a while.

Sprains and strains - A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched
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Bursitis - Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated, inflamed, and uncomfortable.

Fallen Arches - Your foot contains several tendons that work together to form your arch. When the tendons pull together properly, your foot will form a proper arch. However, when the tendons do not pull together properly, your foot will form a very small arch, or no arch at all. This is referred to as “flat foot” or a “fallen arch” and can cause pain or discomfort.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel (the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot) becomes pinched and inflamed.

All of these conditions can be treated here at Vitality Health Center by our skilled tchiropractor.

More Reasons Behind Foot and Ankle Pain: Our ankles and feet are very complex structures that absolutely must work together properly in order to function at their highest level. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly to function properly, along with the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together.

The foot is even more complex, containing approximately 24 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s extremely common to feel pain in those areas because of all the complicated structures that make up your feet and ankles. An injury to your foot or ankle can result in pain so severe you may even avoid putting your weight down on it. This will leave you with two options; hopping around, risking injury to your other foot, or worse, being stuck in a chair, unable to go anywhere and or function independently. Even mild pain can cause physical limitations to your daily life and keep you from taking care of yourself or others.

Since everyone’s pain is different, no two treatment plans are created alike. Your treatment plan will most likely include a combination of exercises, specialized manual therapy techniques, and targeted stretches to improve balance and gait, restore joint mobility, and strengthen the muscles in your foot and ankle. Your treatment plan could also include technology or tools, such as a balance board.

Our chiropractor is 100% dedicated to your recovery and will do all they can to ease your pain. He will also evaluate and recommend lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear to prevent more problems in the future.

If you are dealing with foot and ankle pain, symptoms and you are looking to find long-lasting relief, talk with, Dr. John T. Toth, our dedicated chiropractor at Vitality Health Center by calling 651-773-9414.

Vitality Health Center serves patients in White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Gem Lake, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Shoreview, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Pine Springs, Grant and surrounding areas.

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