Put Your Whole Foot Into It (Manual Therapy!)
Are you looking for a long-lasting remedy for foot pain? We know how challenging it might be to go about your regular routines if you have foot pain due to an injury or an ailment. Our osteopathic therapists are skilled at identifying your pain’s root cause and ensuring you resolve your problems as quickly as possible.
A lot of people take their feet for granted until simple actions like standing or walking become incredibly painful and limited. The foot has 26 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The coordination and timing needed for walking, balance, and overall mobility require these structures to work together. When any part of the system is off, pain and dysfunction ensue.
Stop struggling and find the foot pain relief you need at Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery in Victoria, BC! Begin your road to recovery as soon as possible so you can return to the life you love!
Make the first step by contacting us and requesting an appointment with Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery.
Common foot pain conditions
You could be suffering from foot pain for a variety of reasons. While some foot pain occurs suddenly as a result of an acute injury, it can also develop gradually due to chronic overuse or underlying conditions. Manual therapy at Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery in Victoria, BC can help you find lasting relief for most foot pain without medications, injections, or surgeries.
Some of the most common causes of foot pain include, but are not limited to, the following conditions:
Strains and sprains
Sprains and strains occur frequently and are often confused with one another! A sprain happens when a ligament is overstretched or torn, whereas a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched.
These types of injuries are typically the result of stepping awkwardly or landing funny. In both cases, these injuries should be evaluated by an osteopathic therapist to ensure quick resolution and no long-term damage occurs.
Tendinopathy:
Any problem with a tendon, including disease, injury, or disorder, is known as tendinopathy. Tendinitis is one such problem that occurs when the tendons become inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain, especially with movement of the affected area.
Tendinitis is often known as an overuse injury or a repetitive stress injury.
Plantar fasciitis:
The long tissue at the bottom of your feet connecting the heel bone to the toes is known as the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition involving the bottom, inner aspect of the heel that is worse following periods of non-weight bearing (i.e., the morning after sleeping, after prolonged sitting).
Although the name suggests inflammation is present, recent research has demonstrated that the plantar fascia is not inflamed but degenerating tissue.
Neuropathy:
Neuropathy refers to a diseased state of nerves typically associated with diabetes, medication toxicity (i.e., chemotherapy), or circulation issues like peripheral vascular disease.
Neuropathy negatively affects the sensation in your feet and can be especially problematic when cuts or injuries are not noticed. Sensation changes can also make you more susceptible to balance issues and falls.
No matter what type of pain you are experiencing in your feet, getting help sooner than later will help you in the long run. Our osteopathic therapists at Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery in Victoria, BC will help you reduce your pain and get you moving comfortably once again!
Arthritis:
Arthritis is a common condition that affects joints and causes inflammation and foot pain. Arthritis can affect people of all ages but is typically worse with age.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. Both types of arthritis cause damage to the cartilage and, over time, can limit your range of motion and function. Both conditions can have a significant impact on the foot joints.
Fractures
A fracture occurs when the bone is subjected to excessive force or trauma, causing it to crack or break completely. In some situations, excessive force is due to overuse and the result of repetitive stresses like when running long distances.
A foot fracture could necessitate weeks of rest and, in some cases, a cast or walking boot to ensure proper healing.
Bursitis
Bursae are closed, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and help create a smooth gliding surface to reduce friction between body tissues. These sacs of fluid protect tendons from the bone.
An injury or overuse can cause inflammation in the bursae (aka Bursitis) which prevents tendons from smoothly gliding over the joint and can be painful or even debilitating. This condition commonly affects your foot and heel.
Fallen arches
Several tendons work together with the bones and joints of your foot to form the arches in your foot. When the tendons pull together correctly and your joints are stable, your foot will create a proper arch.
Your foot will form a minimal arch or no arch at all if the tendons do not pull together properly. The condition known as a “fallen arch” or “flat foot” occurs when the joints and muscles cannot stabilize and support the arch. This condition is often associated with foot pain or pain in the shin and knee regions due to alteration in gait caused by this condition.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
The tarsal tunnel is the groove where the nerve that runs from the lower leg through the ankle to the foot travels. If the nerve is irritated or becomes pinched, pain and inflammation ensue.
This condition can become debilitating due to sharp, shooting pains, “pins and needles,” or burning sensations in the feet. Fortunately, manual therapy has been shown to aid in the relief of acute and chronic pain.
Finding foot pain relief with manual therapy
Our manual therapy clinics in Victoria, BC can help if you or a loved one is experiencing foot pain. Our osteopathic therapists will perform a thorough assessment to identify the cause of your foot discomfort and create a customized treatment plan at your initial consultation. We’ll work hard to get you up and running again as quickly as we can.
Initially, the main objective is to increase joint mobility, reduce pain, and improve the strength of your lower leg and foot muscles. Our manual therapy treatment plans often involve targeted hands-on techniques like joint mobilizations and soft tissue work. Our programs often include exercises to improve your balance, coordination, and gait.
We’ll make every effort to reduce your foot pain with stretches, modalities, and compression to improve your circulation, so you help your body heal and get back to your regular activities.
We will frequently review your treatment plan and may suggest lifestyle adjustments and may recommend inserts or custom orthotics to prevent future difficulties or re-injury.
