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What Causes Foot Pain?

Foot Pain Fast Facts

●     Your foot is a complex anatomical structure that may be affected by disease within your body or the foot itself.

●     When foot pain starts to interfere with your normal day-to-day activities, it is time to seek medical treatment.

●     The foot is composed of muscles and tendons, joints and bones, ligaments, nerves, skin, blood vessels, and soft tissue structures. Problems that affect any of the structures may result in foot pain.

●     Foot pain treatment recommended will depend on the cause of the pain. Some of the most common treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, stretching, physiotherapy, strengthening, immobilisation, shockwave therapy, and surgery.

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can be attributed to several causes including deformities, biomechanical conditions, diseases, improper footwear, and injuries. In addition, foot pain can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and infectious diseases. 

For instance, plantar warts that develop in the bottom of the foot are caused by a virus and can result in foot pain and irritation. Athlete’s foot, which also causes foot irritation and pain is attributed to fungus.

Ingrown toenails are another common cause of foot pain. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail’s edges grow through the skin and lead to infection and pain. If you have diabetes, you are more prone to developing infections since your immune system is compromised.

Deformities such as tarsal coalitions, bunions, calcaneal valgus, mallet toes, hammertoes, bones spurs, and claw toes may also result in foot pain. Biomechanical abnormalities like tendon and muscle laxity or tightness, high arched feet, and flatfeet may also result in imbalances, deformities, and foot pain.

Many systemic diseases such as lupus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes can also result in foot pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, a painful inflammation of the foot’s joints can also cause foot pain. When accompanied by alignment changes, foot deformities can also develop.

Trauma from cumulative repetitive injury or from an acute injury is also known to cause foot pain. A classic example would be Achilles tendinitis. Microtrauma injuries that are caused by running on hard or uneven surfaces and wearing ill-fitting footwear can also result in foot pain.

Also, wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight can also cause forefoot pain. Ill-fitting and non-sport specific shoes that are used for cycling or running can also often result in foot pain.

In addition, poor-fitting footwear can also cause bruising and blisters. Possible long-term effects of wearing ill-fitting footwear include calluses, corns, bunions, toe misalignment, and nerve and joint irritation.

Injuries like bruises, fractures, and muscle and ligament strains often occur suddenly. Fractures, sprains, and strains may also be the result of a single (or several) stress to the foot. Repetitive over-stressing of the foot structures may also cause tendonitis, stress fractures, acute and chronic osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis.

When the fascia and muscles of the foot are strained by overloading, overuse, and over-stretching, it can result in injury and foot pain. Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the foot. A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is caused by micro-trauma to a large ligament known as the plantar fascia.

Any injury to the joints and bones of the foot caused by a single blow or repetitive trauma can also lead to stress fracture and foot pain. A blunt-force injury may sometimes result in contusions and foot pain. However, in severe cases, it might cause damage to the foot’s ligaments and muscles.

While not all foot pain is a cause for worry, seeking medical treatment is recommended when the condition starts to interfere with your normal activities. It is also important to keep in mind that delayed treatment of severe foot pain may also result in disability, chronic pain, and other complications.

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Possible Complications of Slipped Disc

The spinal column is made up of vertebrae stacked onto each other. From top to bottom, the column is made up of 7 bones in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic, and 5 in the lumbar spine.

Next to the lumbar spine is the sacrum. At the base is the coccyx. The bones are cushioned by discs. They protect the bone by absorbing shocks from daily activities like lifting, twisting, and walking.

Each disc is made up of 2 parts: inside it is a gelatinous and soft portion while the outside is a tough outer ring. Weakness or injury can cause the disc’s inner portion to protrude through the outer ring. This condition is called herniated, prolapsed, or slipped disc.

Most people seek slipped disc treatment since the condition can be very painful and uncomfortable. If the slipped disc compresses the spinal nerves, it can also cause pain and numbness along the affected nerve. In severe cases, surgery might be the recommended slipped disc treatment.

Common Symptoms of a Slipped Disc

A slipped disc can occur in any part of the spine (from the neck down to the lower back). However, the latter is considered the most common area where slipped discs can occur. The spinal column is a complex network of blood vessels and nerves. A slipped disc can place unnecessary and extra pressure on the muscles and nerves surrounding it.

Some of the prevalent symptoms that point to a slipped disc include:

●     Numbness and pain (typically felt in only one side of the body)

●     Pain that extends to the arms or legs

●     Pain that worsens with certain movement or at night

●     Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing

●     Unexplained muscle weakness

●     Aching, burning, and tingling sensations in the area affected

●     Pain when walking (even just short distances)

Possible Causes of Slipped Discs

Slipped disc can be attributed to many causes. For instance, slipped discs can occur when lifting very large and heavy objects. There is also a possibility for a disc to slip out of place when great strain is placed on the lower back. People with physically demanding jobs (i.e. ones that involve a lot of heavy lifting) are at a greater risk for slipped discs.

Overweight and obese individuals are also more prone to slipped discs since their discs need to support the additional weight. A sedentary lifestyle as well as weak muscles may also trigger slipped discs.

As people age, they are also more prone to developing slipped disc. As one gets older, the discs can lose some of their protective water content. When this happens, the inside portion can slip out of place more easily. Slipped discs are observed to be more common in men than in women.

Possible Complications of a Slipped Disc

Left untreated, severe slipped disc might lead to permanent nerve damage. In some rare cases, a slipped disc can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda equina nerves that are situated in the legs and lower back. When a similar scenario happens, the person afflicted can lose bladder or bowel control.

Another possible long-term complication of slipped disc is saddle anaesthesia. In similar cases, the slipped disc compresses the nerves and causes the patient to lose sensation in the back of the legs, around the rectum, and the inner thighs.

While it is possible for the symptoms of slipped disc to improve, the possibility that it can also worsen will always be there. If slipped disc gets so severe that it hinders you from performing your usual day-to-day activities, seeing your doctor is highly recommended.

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The Most Common Foot Problems: Causes and Treatment Options

Since it is used daily for walking, jumping, running, and climbing, the feet takes a lot of abuse on a consistent basis. That being said, it’s not surprising that many people suffer from foot pain at one point or another. From injuries to inflammation, various kinds of malfunctions and damage can result in foot problems.

Ageing, diabetes, and improper footwear are also some of the key contributors to foot problems. Fortunately, treatment options like shockwave therapy, antibiotics, and at times surgery are available to address these problems. Below are some of the most prevalent foot problems, their causes, and the treatment options available:

Plantar Fasciitis

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, plantar fasciitis is one of the most prevalent causes of heel pain. This condition develops when the plantar fascia situated at the foot’s bottom gets inflamed. The plantar fascia supports the foot’s arch.

Causes

This inflammatory condition often cannot be attributed to a clear cause. When no clear cause is identified, the condition is referred to as idiopathic plantar fasciitis. Some of the risk factors for plantar fasciitis include tight calf muscles, repetitive stress on the heel, and obesity.

Treatment Options

Some cases of plantar fasciitis will respond well to at-home care. Applying ice and resting the foot can often minimise inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes given to manage pain.

If at-home care does not resolve the condition, a visit to the chiropractor might be in order. Other treatments like radial shockwave therapy can be an option for plantar fasciitis that’s resistant to conventional or at-home therapies.

 Heel Spur

Heel spur is the outgrowth of calcium that develops between the arch of the foot and the heel bone. For most people, no symptoms are felt. Others however will experience pain and inflammation.

Causes

Heel spurs are often the result of long strain on the ligaments and muscles. The condition can also be caused by wearing worn out or badly fitted shoes, arthritis, and obesity.

Treatment Options

Treatment options to manage heel spur can include OTC pain medications, orthotic shoe inserts, cold compress, and injections.

Bunions

Bunions are abnormalities that often develop on the large toe joint. Also known as hallux valgus, the condition can cause the big toe to turn inward slightly. Due to pressure from narrow footwear, women are more prone to developing bunions.

Causes

Wearing narrow or tight shoes can often cause bunions to develop. Having a family history of bunions can also be a risk factor. In addition, conditions like polio and rheumatoid arthritis can also increase one’s chance of developing the condition.

Treatment Options

Bunions will often respond to conservative treatment measures. Not wearing high heels and ill-fitting shoes and using bunion pads can often help. However, if the condition does not subside and continues to cause pain, surgery may be recommended.

Athlete’s Foot

The fungal infection of the skin (often between the toes) is called athlete’s foot. When the infection spreads, it can cause significant itching, pain, and discomfort. Most people are exposed to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot in the shower, pool, or gym.

Causes

Wearing damp and warm shoes can also cause the fungus to thrive and spread. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread to other areas of the skin including the groin, hands, and even the scalp.

Some of the common symptoms of athlete’s foot include blistering, cracking, and peeling of the feet. The condition often occurs between the fourth and fifth toes and spreads from there.

Treatment Options

Antifungal treatments are often the first resort when treating athlete’s foot. Most antifungal treatments are available in sprays, powders, or lotions. Keeping the feet dry and clean at all times is also recommended. When drying feet with athlete’s foot, it’s ideal to use a separate towel.

If the fungus continues to spread and does not respond to conventional treatment, seeing a doctor is recommended so antifungal medications can be prescribed.

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The Amazing Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy

One in seven people suffer from some kind of orthopaedic impairment. And that’s in the United States alone. At least 7 million Americans undergo surgery annually to deal with said impairments. Fortunately, people who are suffering from back pain, foot pain, and other orthopaedic conditions would be delighted to know surgery is not the only option.

One effective alternative treatment they can look into is radial shockwave therapy.

Radial Shockwave Therapy in a Nutshell

In essence, radial shockwave therapy is a pain management technique that makes use of physically generated shock waves. Physiotherapists use a special equipment to generate shock waves. The shock waves are transmitted with the help of a gel that’s water-soluble.

The sound waves transmitted to damaged tissues will not only minimise discomfort and pain significantly, it can also speed up the healing process dramatically.

Amazing Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy can be a very beneficial and effective treatment option for a vast range of orthopaedic conditions. The following are some of the superb benefits of radial shockwave therapy:

It can be used to treat a lot of conditions

Some of the conditions treated using radial shockwave therapy include:

●     Hamstring injuries

●     Tennis elbow

●     Bursitis

●     Neck and back pain

●     Plantar fasciitis

●     Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

●     Achilles Tendinopathy

●     Jumper’s Knee

Radial shockwave therapy has also been proven effective in breaking up scar tissue from old injuries that’s causing pain and limiting movement.

It is a non-invasive procedure

Since radial shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure, it is a welcome option for those who are not very comfortable with surgery. In addition, the modality is also safe and painless. No IVs, no cutting, and no pain medications needed!

It reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation is common among people suffering from orthopaedic issues and radial shockwave therapy does a good job of removing it. The procedure also helps speed up the healing process.

In addition, radial shockwave therapy has also been known to help increase the activity of mast cells in the body. Mast cells are responsible for the reproduction of chemokine and cytokines. Both compounds help restore regeneration and promote healing.

It helps promote the formation of new blood vessels

Radial shockwave therapy helps promote formation of new blood vessels by creating micro ruptures in the tendons and bones. The micro ruptures stimulate the production of growth factors that create new blood vessels.

The new blood vessels will not only allow more nutrients and oxygen to reach the injury site, they can also help improve the blood supply. This helps the injury to heal faster.

It has a very high success rate

One reason many patients are enticed to give this therapy a try is its very high success rate. Majority of patients who have undergone radial shockwave therapy have reported dramatic improvements in their functionality and mobility. They also reported a huge reduction in pain and discomfort.

Radial shockwave therapy has also been known to be especially effective for patients who are suffering form plantar fasciitis with people reporting as much as 80 to 88 percent reduction in heel pain.

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Spinal Decompression Therapy: Are You a Candidate?

Anyone who suffers from back pain secondary to herniated or bulging discs may be good candidates for spinal decompression therapy. Chiropractors and other healthcare practitioners that specialise in the musculoskeletal system can make the determination upon thorough assessment of the patient including history, physical examination and oftentimes imaging like X-rays or MRI.

Spinal Decompression Therapy in a Nutshell

Also known as non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD), spinal decompression therapy is a practice that makes use of special, computerised tables with delicate sensors to relieve pain. It works by creating a scenario where a negative pressure is created around the herniated or bulging disc, and tissue is slowly moved back into place until it heals.

Spinal decompression therapy has been known to help patients who are suffering from debilitating pain brought about by herniated, degenerating, or bulging discs. Spinal decompression therapy is also used for treatment and pain management of diseased or injured spinal nerve roots, worn spinal joints, and sciatica.

The treatment involves stretching the spine using a special spinal decompression table in order to create a negative pressure at the exact level(s) of disc injury. The negative pressure and space will help allow disc fluid to move back into place. As a result, the disc can receive more nutrients, allowing it to heal more quickly and effectively.

In essence, the ultimate goal of spinal decompression therapy is relieve chronic neck, arm, back, and leg pain and to rehabilitate the root source of said pain. Spinal decompression therapy is also known as non-surgical decompression therapy since it is a non-invasive, safe, and extremely effective alternative to spinal decompression surgery.

The difference between surgical and non-surgical spinal decompression is an important one as the former should often be considered as a last resort. The latter, on the other hand, is considered a safe treatment option for most patients with disc issues at any stage.

Spinal Decompression Protocol

The right spinal decompression protocol for patients will depend on the symptoms experienced and nature of their condition. In most cases, spinal decompression patients go through anywhere around 10-20 sessions on the spinal decompression table over a period of 1-3 months. The number of sessions will also depend on the diagnosis as well as the patient’s response to the treatment. When needed, follow up treatments may also be prescribed to help manage the pain and aid full rehabilitation. Additional treatments may also be recommended along with the spinal decompression therapy such as chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue rehabilitation and specific exercises.

The initial visit to a chiropractor can help determine if an individual is a good candidate for the therapy or not. Initial analysis will also include a review of the patient’s history, including MRI or X-ray results when available.

Once it has been determined that the patient is a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy, a decompression protocol designed specifically for the patient’s diagnosis will be created.

Each spinal decompression session will last around 15-20 minutes. During the session, patients are strapped into the table with the use of a specially designed pelvic or neck harness depending on the area(s) being treated. For lumbar decompression, the body’s lower portion is moved in order to gently stretch and relax the spine. When the cervical herniated discs are decompressed, the body’s head/neck will be moved.

While spinal decompression therapy is often combined effectively with other conservative treatment options, there are also contraindications for this type of therapy. Some of the contraindications include:

●  Broken vertebrae

●  Spinal tumor

●  Osteoporosis (at certain areas and if too severe)

●  Pregnancy

●  Metastasised cancer

●  Spinal fusion (depending on the levels involved)

●  Patients with spinal implant or artificial discs

It is critical therefore that patients are examined fully and the medical and health histories have been taken into account prior to starting spinal decompression therapy

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Low Level Laser Therapy for Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting the developed world today. In fact, some studies show that a staggering 60 to 80 percent of people suffer from significant back pain at least one or more times during their lives.

Of those who develop acute low back pain, up to 30 percent will develop chronic low back pain (LBP). To treat low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions, some doctors and therapists use low level laser therapy (LLLT). 

What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

In essence, low level laser therapy is a non-invasive light source treatment. It generates a single wavelength of light (which varies depending on the usage) and does not emit sound, heat, or vibration. Low level laser therapy is also sometimes referred to as biostimulation or photobiomodulation.

LLLT may commonly be called “cold laser” therapy as it does not create any heating sensation during treatment. This amazing healthcare treatment makes use of specific, high quality low-power lasers to assist in pain relief and other benefits. It was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2002.

Aside from providing pain relief, low level laser therapy is believed to accelerate connective tissue repair by improving the function of connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. When treating musculoskeletal disorders, lasers of different wavelengths (usually ranging from 632 to 904 nm) may be used.

LLLT has proven beneficial and is considered an excellent treatment option for many different conditions with virtually no side-effect risks!

What Other Conditions Can LLLT Treat?

Low level laser therapy is known to stimulate repair in nearly all cell types including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and cartilage. That means aside from the conditions mentioned above, LLLT can also treat a vast array of conditions including:

●  Carpal tunnel syndrome

●  Knee pain

●  Migraine headaches

●  Arm pain

●  Soft tissue injuries

●  Neuropathy

●  Strains

●  Sprains

●  Repetitive stress injuries

How Does LLLT Work?

Lasers used in low level laser therapy utilise a diode often roughly the size of a small handheld device like a flashlight. The laser is directly placed over the injured area for a short period (anywhere from half a minute to several minutes). Treatment duration will depend on the dosage of the therapy as well as the size of the area that needs treatment.

During low level laser therapy, the light will penetrate the skin’s surface as well as the underlying tissues painlessly. This triggers cellular processes and reactions that help reduce swelling and pain, and promote healing.

In other words, low level laser therapy not only helps reduce pain but also jumpstarts the healing process so the length of recovery time from injuries is reduced significantly.

What Can One Expect from LLLT?

Low level laser therapy is known as a viable treatment option for those who are looking for an effective and noninvasive treatment for back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.

LLLT can provide effective relief from pain and has been known to dramatically speed up the healing process. What makes low level laser therapy extra appealing is it can reduce pain and promote healing without the use or drugs, surgery, or any significant side effect risks.

Depending on the extent of the injury, LLLT treatment programmes can range from 1 or 2 sessions to half a dozen or more treatments needed. Treatments may be provided from 1-3 times per week during the acute stage. It is best to check with your healthcare provider to see what is recommended for your particular condition.

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Low Level Laser Therapy: Is it Right for You?

Low level laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy is a low-intensity laser therapy that uses low levels of light to stimulate healing. The technique is referred to as “cold” laser therapy because it makes use of low levels of light that are not enough to heat the body’s tissues.

This is unlike higher powered aesthetic and surgical lasers, which do heat the tissues being treated. The power levels used during cold laser treatments are also  very low compared to other forms of laser therapy which can be used to coagulate tissues and destroy tumours.

Other names for low level laser therapy (LLLT) include:

●  Cold Laser Therapy

●  Low-Power Laser Therapy (LPLT)

●  Photo-biomodulation

●  Soft Laser Bio-stimulation

What is low level laser therapy used for? 

Dentists, doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other medical professionals use low level laser therapy in a variety of ways. However, the primary uses for cold laser therapy are relief from pain and inflammation and tissue repair.

Sprains and minor injuries

●  Bursitis

●  Neck pain

●  Muscle strains

●  Ligament sprains

●  Tennis elbow

●  Lower back pain treatment

●  Knee pain

●  Tendonitis

●  Pain associated with muscle spasms

Low level laser therapy is also used to minimise swelling and promote healing of the soft tissue and joints.

Inflammation

Dentists also use cold laser therapy to treat inflamed mouth tissues and heal ulcerations. It is also used as treatment for inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic autoimmune diseases.

Aches and Pains

Cold laser therapy is also very popular at pain clinics to help patients with acute or chronic pain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia, among many others.

Future uses

The potential applications for low level laser therapy are almost limitless. Researchers are still studying its range of effects and possible uses, with the hope that someday it can be used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions including:

●  Spinal cord injury

●  Alzheimer’s disease

●  Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

●  Parkinson’s disease

Is cold laser therapy right for you?

The use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy has been growing both in traditional medical practice as well as in complementary or alternative medicine specialties. Low level laser therapy is considered very safe when performed by doctors or qualified practitioners.

Low level laser therapy won’t require medications or other preparations before it is performed. In addition, it is also painless and noninvasive.

However, cold laser therapy is not to be used on cancerous lesions or carcinomas. It is also not recommended for use on the thyroid, eyes, or for home use. Since the possible effects of cold laser therapy on unborn children is currently unknown, it is also not recommended on the abdominal area for pregnant women.

While the upsides of low level laser therapy are hard to match, it is not without any drawbacks. One of the realistic limitations of this kind of laser therapy is time. While each low level laser therapy session will typically only last around 5-10 minutes, in some cases it may take several sessions over a few weeks before its effectiveness can be gauged accurately.

Low level laser therapy may be most effective in many cases when combined with proper conservative treatments and rehabilitation protocols. We suggest you find a quality provider to properly assess your condition and let you know if cold laser therapy may benefit you!