The Chiropractor Little Falls MN profession has long recognized that problems of the foot can affect the whole body. Pain can also arise from nerves that exit the spine (the “nerve root”), nerves of the legs (“peripheral nerves”), or vascular structures such as arteries or veins. The ankle and foot were designed to walk barefoot on the Earth (and by that we mean the ground) and not necessarily to sustain the stress of the modern day, concrete jungle we all live in. Our modern way of life, in many ways, disregards the health of our ankles and feet. The foot is restricted nearly every day due to unyielding foot coverings (shoes, boots, etc.) In many cases, fashion rather than support and function determine the design of one’s shoes. Consider this: it is fore part of the shoe were the feet are most restricted and it is also where the most foot deformities occur. For these and other reasons, pain in the ankle and foot is a very common occurrence and one we see as a Chiropractor Little Falls MN quite often in our clinic.
A well-developed and healthy foot and ankle withstands a surprising amount of stress. Conditions and pain take place when this stress becomes excessive. The ankle and foot can move in a variety of directions: dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, abduction and adduction.
The main muscles of the calf are the gastrocnemius and soleus and they act to flex the ankle and foot. Smaller muscles of the foot, such as the extensor digitorum longus, extend the foot and ankle. While others, like the tibialis anterior, cause dorsiflexion and inversion. The first step in getting out of pain is determining its cause with a Chiropractor Little Falls MN. At Chiro Plus Rehab we start with a thorough assessment that checks your ankle and foot alignment, range-of-motion, nerve health, muscle strength and balance, and the integrity of the cartilage, tendon, and bone. We as a Chiropractor Little Falls MN inspect the ankle and foot in resting, standing, and walking conditions. When needed, we also take digital x-rays. For the ankle and foot, we perform a Gait Analysis to determine not only how well your ankle and foot function, but how its function is affecting the knee, hip, and spine in your daily life (E.G. standing, walking, stepping up, running, jumping, etc.)
The final and a unique component to our Chiropractor Little Falls MN examination process is our signature Functional Movement Screen which can detect faulty movement habits that are contributing to your pain.
Common Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis: The collapsing of the arch results micro-tearing of the tissues of the bottom of the foot (the “plantar fascia”) which, in turn, leads to inflammation felt most acutely after prolonged sitting/laying and the rising and walking.
- Sprain/strain: tearing of ligaments, tendons, and muscle usually from “rolling the ankle”
- Stress fractures: from repetitive trauma
- Metatarsalgia: pain of the midfoot
- Peroneal Nerve paralysis
- Morton’s neuroma
Common Deformities
- Big toe joint deformities
- Hammertoe
- Tailor’s bunion
- Overlapping toes
The standard approach to ankle and foot pain by most Chiropractor Little Falls MN is usually a combination or ice/heat, rest, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and maybe physical therapy. At Chiro Plus Rehab we combine adjustments, hands-on muscle therapy, therapeutic exercises as well as passive modalities like ultrasound to eliminate pain quickly. We also have the ability to perform a 3-D laser scan of the foot and ankle to determine if custom orthotics would help in eliminating the pain. We then provide you with self-care advice to keep things good once they’re there. Why? Because our goal is to provide effective, fast relief so you can get back to life.
Final Note: A Doctor’s Insight
Give your ankle and foot pain the boot!
If you’re suffering from ankle or foot pain, don’t wait. Give us a call at 320-632-9224 and schedule your $37 New Patient Special today. Don’t live another day with pain. We can help. Call us!
