Tips for Improving Foot Pain
Whether it’s a sharp pain, dull ache, burning sensation, foot pain or ‘flat feet’, dysfunctional feet can make it hard to walk, stand, or even sleep. Left alone, it is not too much to say it will alter your life. You will move less, sit more, park closer to the venue, turn down opportunities and invitations, alter your gait, and ultimately alter your skeletal structure and stability. Think of your knees and hips!
As something we see in the practice every day, we wanted to share a bit more on the common problem so that you can be sure to take the right steps to combat it yourself. (Pun intended!)
Understand the Causes:
- Foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, injury, and underlying medical conditions. Some common causes of foot pain include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendinitis, neuropathy and stress fractures.
- Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide proper support can help reduce the risk of foot pain. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose and opt for shoes that have a wide toe box and good arch support.
- If you are not at your ideal weight, start with small but impactful tiny habits to move you in the right direction. I know, easier said than done! (We can help you get started with that). Losing weight can help reduce the pressure on the feet and improve overall foot health.
- Strengthening the muscles in your feet can help improve foot pain. You can do this by doing exercises such as toe curls, heel raises, and ankle rotations. We can also give you more specific exercises to make your feet more functional.
- Stretching the muscles and fascia in your lower extremity can help improve flexibility and reduce pain. Try stretching your toes, ankles, and calves.
- Chiropractic care may help alleviate foot pain by identifying the underlying cause of the pain. At our practice we also provide adjustments, massage and other therapeutic techniques to improve the function of the foot and reduce pain. Ivette gives an awesome foot massage that with scheduling, can be added to other therapies, such as an adjustment or acupuncture.
- Custom orthotics may also help correct any structural imbalances that could be contributing to your foot pain. Some folks have such dysfunctional feet that they must have an orthotic, but that doesn’t take them out of the game of making stronger feet.
We are passionate about functional feet! Foot pain can be a sign of an underlying condition, and if pain persists or worsens, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional. Don’t ignore your feet! Let us help you figure out a way to a healthier you.