The goal of a chiropractor is to lower your pain level through manual techniques. They specialize in neuromuscular disorders. This means they specialize in muscles connected to your nervous system or spine – the ones that cause you pain. When you’re looking at something simple like foot pain, you might be thinking it would be easier to go in to your primary care physician.
Unfortunately, foot pain could be an indication of something more serious with your nervous system – and that can require surgery, narcotics, and invasive procedures. The great thing about chiropractors is that they can fix your pain with a non-invasive approach.
What is Causing Your Foot Pain?
Pain in the feet is often the result of bad shoes or too much time on your feet. However, this isn’t always the case. Oftentimes, foot pain is caused by pinched nerves in the spine. It can also be caused by a spine that is out of alignment.
Feet are a lot more complicated than you might think. Joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and quite a few bones are all hiding in there. A number of things can go wrong. You’re on your feet all of the time, so they’re vulnerable to injury. Some symptoms of foot problems include limping, inability to put weight on your heels and toes, and just general aching whenever you are sitting down or trying to relax. No one is immune to these problems – anyone can suffer from foot pain.
Issues with the spine are common and can occur for a number of reasons. Your posture, your past injuries, even your shoes can cause spinal issues. You can easily get a sprain or tear one of your ligaments. Foot disorders can also originate from quite a few other places in your body or your spine. Oftentimes, you won’t know the cause of Whatever the reason, it doesn’t always resolve on its own. Intervention is often needed.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot pain
Remember, as mentioned earlier, foot pain often stems from another area in the body. It’s important to find out where that area is! If it is indeed coming from your spine, you could find yourself with other ailments in the near future (not just your feet). Walking on painful feet is also causing you more stress and exhaustion than you might think. You may think you can just push through it, but at the end of the day, your body won’t fully rest. And your sleep won’t be as good.
If your foot pain is recurring and doesn’t go away, it’s time to take action. Talking to your chiropractors is your first step. They’re experts on the human body and how things are connected. A chiropractor can help with foot pain before it becomes a bigger issue. The last thing you want is to exacerbate the pain and tear additional ligaments or cause problems with the connective tissue. Keep in mind that these are your nerves we’re talking about. Not just a little pain. Chronic foot pain should never be ignored.
How Will a Chiropractor Help with Foot Pain?
Foot problems can give way to other issues in your body. They affect your ankles, legs, lower back, and even hips. When your chiropractor looks at treating your pain, he/she is also going to keep those other parts of your body in mind. They will make sure that nothing else has been affected. Even if other parts of your body are fine, your chiropractor will work at ensuring they are not affected in the near future. Let’s take a look at what you can expect during your first appointment with a chiropractor helping with your foot pain.
What to Expect When You Seek Chiropractor Help with Foot Pain
The first thing a chiropractor does is run a bunch of tests. Not to worry – they don’t usually hurt and they’re completely non-invasive. He/she will check your gait and foot function to make sure everything is working properly. A history of any previous ailments will be noted so the chiropractor knows what to look for. Everything that is done is in the interest of being thorough.
Next, they move your ankles around to see what kind of range of motion you have. This also helps them understand the origin and cause of your pain. Their next step will be to either refer you to a specialist or treat it themselves.
If your chiropractor chooses to go ahead with treatment, they will go ahead with the adjustments. They’ll work on your feet and on other parts of your body that are affected. This is done with their hands, similar to a massage. The adjustments may only need to be done once if your pain is minimal and not chronic. If the pain is chronic and severe, or if it stems from other sensitive areas of your body, you may need to participate in regular adjustments.
The good news is that once these areas are identified, you can begin to heal. And not just heal for the short-term, but for the long-term. Your chiropractor is also highly educated in healthy lifestyle choices. They’ll recommend things like shoe inserts and provide nutritional guidance. They also offer lifestyle counseling to reduce stress – not just physical, but mental as well. The amount of stress that stems from poor eating habits or lack of proper exercise is huge. They won’t just help you with resolving your foot pain. They will work on your body as a whole to prevent future pain and improve your overall health.
Parting Notes
It’s a good idea to start with a chiropractor when you’re looking at treatment. The ability to heal without pain medication or surgery is invaluable. Additionally, chiropractors see the human body as a whole – they don’t just fix a spot or two. They work with you to find ways in which to become the healthiest person you can be! And the best part? It doesn’t hurt. It’s non-invasive. It’s worth your time and your energy.
