(801) 486-1818Sometimes foot pain is just a matter of a long day on your feet, but sometimes the issue goes much deeper. If you suffer from prolonged or consistent foot pain that does not improve with a change of shoes, come see us at Utah Sports and Wellness in Millcreek to find a diagnosis and relief.
Achilles Injuries
The Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects the calcaneus (the heel bone) to the calf muscles in the back of the lower leg. It controls the ability to point your toes and flex your feet. When the achilles tendon becomes overworked, it can rupture or tear. This sometimes causes a popping sound and is accompanied by sharp foot pain. Injury to the Achilles tendon is common in runners, especially if the duration and intensity of their runs increase suddenly.
Peroneal Tendonitis
Peroneal tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons that run along the outside of the foot. The condition develops from overuse or from an injury to the ankle. Peroneal tendonitis foot pain tends to increase with activity and can even lead to ruptured tendons if not treated in a timely manner. Peroneal tendonitis should be treated with rest and ice (which can be done at home) as well as bracing to keep the tendon immobilized and rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and revitalize the tendons.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a wide tendon that supports the arches of each foot as it runs along the bottom of them. Plantar fasciitis occurs when stress and tension cause tears in the tendon. It is among the most common causes of foot pain. The calling card of plantar fasciitis is acute foot pain after periods of disuse, and as the tendon warms up, the foot pain lessens.
Obesity and prolonged or rigorous use of the feet are risk factors, though the exact cause of plantar fasciitis is often unknown. Rehabilitation exercises, splinting and other supports like a boot or a crutch, and shockwave therapy are all treatment methods appropriate for foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoids are bones connected not to other bones but to tendons or nested in muscles. The kneecap is the body’s largest sesamoid. There are two other small sesamoids on the underside of each foot bracketing the large toe. They assist in bearing the body’s weight.
Sesamoiditis is a form of tendonitis and occurs when the tendons attached to the sesamoids become inflamed or irritated. It causes foot pain which manifests gradually, localized under the large toe. Swelling or bruising may also occur. Rest and icing can mitigate immediate symptoms. For more lasting relief, work with your chiropractor to find the best lifestyle adjustments to recover from sesamoiditis and avoid further foot pain.
Stress Fractures
Each foot is made up of 26 bones, all of which are vulnerable to fracture if not properly cared for. Stress fractures, tiny cracks in the bone, can develop from (as their name suggests) too much stress applied to the bone. Overuse such as is common in high-impact sports like track and field can lead to stress fractures in the feet. Foot pain caused by fracture is sharp. Relief can be found through rest and bracing as the body heals.
Ankle Sprain
When supportive ligaments are torn or unduly stretched, it is called a sprain. A sprained ankle can be caused by twisting or rolling the ankle in an unnatural way. Ankle sprains can result in ankle or foot pain, bruising, swelling, and restricted ankle movement. Compression and elevation are key to reducing pressure on the injury and allowing it to heal, and rehabilitation exercises can strengthen the ligaments in the ankle once healing is underway.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a condition which causes thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, almost always between the third and fourth toes. The foot pain caused by Morton’s neuroma is sharp with a stinging or burning sensation. It is worse in the ball of the foot but can also radiate out into the toes.
Wearing supportive footwear is a preventative measure against Morton’s neuroma foot pain. In addition to rehabilitation exercises, your chiropractor may recommend an insert for your shoes to better support your feet.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia can be caused by Morton’s neuroma and have similar symptoms. It is also commonly associated with extensive activity that involves running and jumping. Wearing shock-absorbing shoes can decrease the risk of metatarsalgia-related foot pain.