As chiropractors, we totally understand how draining foot and heel pain can be. It is like being stuck in your own tracks. You are not alone in your concerns. In fact, podiatric pain is one of the most common types of pain Singaporeans experience at some point in their lives and can be caused by several factors.
Nevertheless, it is not incurable pain. In fact, with holistic foot and heel pain relief using chiropractic care, you can enjoy improved mobility, podiatric harmony, and lasting comfort. Let us show you how.
Understanding podiatric pain
Foot and heel pain can be caused by several factors, such as plantar fasciitis, poor posture, and flat feet. Natural DIY remedies, such as stretching, can provide temporary relief. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, can help to address the root causes of foot and heel pain.
Different types of podiatric pain
There are many types of podiatric pain, such as:
- Heel pain:Â Pain that occurs under or at the back of the heel.
- Flat feet:Pain that occurs across the entire foot due to the lack of arch support.
- Morton’s neuroma: Intense pain that occurs between the 3rd and 4th toe.
- Bunions:Swelling and soreness as a result of the big toe curving inwards.
- Plantar fasciitis:Sharp pain arising in the sole of the foot or in the heel.
- Achilles tendonitis:Â Pain occurring in the lower calf and back of the heel.
- Metatarsalgia:Pain occurring near the toes and around the ball of the foot.
- Hammer toe:Pain and discomfort as a result of the toes bending downwards instead of pointing forward.
Causes of podiatric pain
In our experience offering chiropractic solutions, we have discovered many causes for foot and heel pain. Here are some common ones:
- Injuries:Â A stress fracture or a sprained ankle can cause severe pain.
- Overuse injury:Running on hard surfaces for prolonged periods places stress on your feet, resulting in overuse injuries in the area.
- Flat feet:If your feet have no arch or have a low arch, you are considered to have flat feet, which may increase your risk of developing foot and heel pain.
- Heel spurs:They are tiny bony bits that grow on your heel bone, which, when stepped on, causes pain.
- High arches:If your feet have an unusually high arch, you can experience foot pain, too.
- Postural misalignment:Having a different leg length between the two or an imbalanced pelvis can cause one foot to be used more than the other, resulting in increased pressure on the affected ankles and feet.
- Poorly fitted shoes:Â Your daily footwear might be the cause of your pain. Shoes that do not fit your feet well will result in pain and discomfort. Additionally, wearing high heels excessively also puts more stress on your feet.
Chiropractic techniques to relieve podiatric pain
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to foot and heel pain relief, considering not only the podiatric aspect but also the entire musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care includes e-stim therapy, direct thrust, active release therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulation and muscle work.
E-stim therapy
E-stim therapy is effective for conditions such as plantar fasciitis. It uses low-frequency electrical stimulation to stimulate the affected muscle. The e-stim pads are placed on the calf and heel to reduce plantar muscle spasms and pain.
This therapy technique may cause a slight discomfort. However, it is well-tolerated by most patients and is often used together with other chiropractic techniques to supplement podiatric pain relief further.
Active release therapy
Also known as ART, the therapeutic technique involves hands-on manipulation of the affected foot and heel to promote healing and relieve tension. The chiropractor will use their hands to apply movement and pressure on specific ligaments, tendons, and muscles, breaking up any adhesions and scar tissues that cause limiting movement or pain.
Chiropractic manipulation and muscle work
They go beyond localised treatment, involving a comprehensive assessment of your entire body, targeting the connection between your lower limbs, pelvis, and spine.
Using manipulation techniques, chiropractors target the restoration of your musculoskeletal system, not only at your feet and heels but throughout your body. By ensuring that your whole body has restored its balance, you are able to enjoy optimal foot function and reduced pain.
How do we prevent podiatric pain?
Preventing podiatric pain is straightforward and involves taking simple yet intentional steps:
1. Wear supportive and comfortable shoes that are well-fitted.
2. Avoid wearing shoes with narrow toe ends or high heels.
3. Invest in custom orthotics or shoe inserts that provide additional cushioning and support.
4. Cut down your excess weight to minimise unnecessary stress on your feet.
5. Stretch your calf muscles and feet regularly to boost flexibility.
6. Increase your physical activities gradually to prevent overuse injuries.
7. Take regular breaks when walking or standing for prolonged periods.
8. Keep your feet dry and clean to prevent any fungal infection.
9. Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces to reduce your risk of developing an infection or injury.
10. Listen to your body and learn to rest should you experience any podiatric discomfort or pain.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care is a practical approach to managing foot and heel pain. In fact, they are shown to be effective in relieving pain associated with podiatric conditions, such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
If you are looking for a holistic and comprehensive approach to boost the well-being of your musculoskeletal system, then chiropractic care is the way to go. Even procedures, such as knee pain treatment and lower back pain treatment, including foot and heel pain, can help influence one another.
In addition to offering pain management, Healing Hands Chiropractic also provide an extensive corporate wellness program for businesses who wants to adopt a better corporate well-being environment. For more information on our chiropractic services, contact us!
