To Your Health
October, 2007 (Vol. 01, Issue 10) |
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Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon is a large tendon at the back of the lower leg and heel that allows the calf muscles to connect to the heel. A combination of excessive foot pronation and too much running, walking or weight-bearing activities can cause the muscles to pull on the tendon with too much stress. This can cause pain along the tendon or at the heel where it attaches. Inflammation and swelling also can result.
Heel Spurs
Any type of a spur is actually extra bone that has been growing in response to stress placed on it, usually by a tendon. In the cases mentioned above, the under-side of the heel of the foot is a very com-mon place to get a spur. The back of the heel is another place a spur can form.
Remember that spurs will form as the body's natural response to pro-longed stress. If a tendon of a muscle pulls on a bone long enough, extra calcium will be laid down. The bigger the spur, the longer the stress has been placed on the bone and the longer the problem has been there.
Plantar Fascitis
This condition involves the main piece of soft tissue underneath your foot. It is called the plantar fascia - a very thick tendon that connects your heel to your forefoot. It provides the main support for the bottom of your foot. So, when your three arches start to fall or collapse over time, the plantar fascia gets pulled on and stretched out. The pull on the heel can cause heel pain, which can travel down the length of the plantar fascia along the bottom of the foot to the forefoot. This discomfort can be extremely severe; in its worst form, it can feel like burning pain going across the bottom of the feet. For some people, it can be incredibly painful every time they stand up.
Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue (a bony knob) and is commonly located at the base of your big toe and pinkie toe. You also may find that your big toe turns inward toward your second toe on either or both feet. Bunions form because as your inner foot arch and your forefoot arch collapse, the foot becomes wider and the bones at the base of your big toe and little toe can rub against the edges of your shoes.
Bunions have the ability to get quite painful and large, depending on how much pressure they experience and how tight your shoes are. Often, bunions can appear red, usually indicating something has been pressuring them. Hopefully, after reading this article you are more aware of the problems that may be caused by your feet. Talk to your chiropractor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and get some help. Remember, your feet are telling you a story. Are you listening?
Kevin M. Wong, DC, a 1996 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, Calif., practices full-time in Orinda, Calif. He is also an instructor for Foot Levelers, Inc.
