Common Conditions Causing Foot Pain
Factors such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, the type of shoe wear can determine if we will get foot and ankle pain. However, these factors can also affect the health of your back, knees and legs. Below are a few of the common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus) occur when the big toe shifts outward, often pressing against the second toe. This creates a bony bump on the inside of the foot and can cause pain, especially when walking or standing. In some cases, the pain may also be felt at rest as a burning or numbing sensation.
The issue stems from damage to the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone. Over time, factors like poor foot mechanics (e.g., over-pronation), arthritis, past injuries, or wearing tight, high-heeled shoes can lead to this condition. A chiropractor can assess your foot to identify the cause and use various treatments to relieve pain and improve movement.
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot—becomes inflamed. This often leads to sharp pain near the heel, especially with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Over time, untreated inflammation can lead to scar tissue, calcium buildup, and even heel spurs, which may cause stabbing pain when walking. Contributing factors include flat feet, over-pronation, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, high-impact activities, and prolonged standing.
Chiropractors can help by identifying the root cause and offering treatments such as laser therapy, shockwave therapy, joint adjustments, muscle stretching, strengthening exercises, and custom orthotics to relieve pain and restore function.
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Achilles Tendonitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon—the thick band connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It often develops gradually from overuse, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Common symptoms include stiffness and pain at the back of the heel, especially during walking or running.
This condition is common in athletes, dancers, and people who wear high heels regularly. It can also affect those who are just starting to exercise or who are on their feet for long periods. Without proper care, it may lead to serious injury or even tendon rupture.
Chiropractors can help relieve pain and promote healing with treatments like laser therapy, shockwave therapy, stretching programs, and muscle balancing techniques. Early care is key to preventing long-term damage.
Flat feet, or Pes planus as it is called by the medical community, is very common and it is estimated that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. We are all born with flat feet and somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop and arch. However in certain people this development never occurs. Besides genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can cause flat feet or predispose people to the condition. Sometimes people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This often depends upon their lifestyle, job and level of activity. Age and weight also play a role in the condition’s development. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight people who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.
Having flat feet does not necessarily mean you will have pain as it’s possible for people to have the condition and never feel any discomfort. For people who do develop pain, it usually occurs in the feet and knees, and possibly in the hips and lower back. If you suspect you have flat feet and do experience pain you should see your chiropractor especially to determine a plan of management that can ease pain or prevent symptoms from developing. A number of options, including prescribing arch-supporting insoles called orthotics and performing joint adjustments can improve foot function and alleviate any symptoms.
Metatarsalgia, or ball-of-foot pain, affects the area just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. It’s often caused by stress or irritation in the metatarsal bones, leading to aching, burning, or stiffness in the front of the foot.
This condition can result from structural issues like flat feet, high arches, or uneven metatarsal lengths, as well as lifestyle factors such as tight shoes, high heels, excess weight, or high-impact activities like running.
Dean's Chiropractic can help identify the root cause and offer non-invasive treatments, including custom orthotics, joint therapy, and advice on footwear and activity modifications to relieve pain and prevent it from returning.
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