We rely on our feet and ankles to get us around, so injury to them can be painful and debilitating. As the parts of your body that meets the ground, they are subject to many painful conditions, from plantar fasciitis to tears in your tendons, even arthritis. Leaving foot and ankle conditions untreated often leads to chronic pain and loss of mobility.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue band on the bottom of the foot that supports the arch. When this tissue is overloaded or overstretched, it causes small tears in the fascia fibers, especially where it meets the heel bone.
Plantar fasciitis can be triggered by activities that overstretch the fascia, including:
- Sports such as volleyball, running, and tennis,
- Everyday exercises such as stair climbing,
- Unusual, heavy physical labor.
A soft-tissue manipulation modality, the Graston Technique® is a particularly effective method for treating plantar fasciitis. As one of Long Island’s only certified Graston clinicians, Dr. Marmorale is able to successfully help patients with this painful condition in just a few sessions.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
- Acute pain when jumping, climbing, or walking.
- Chronic heel pain, especially in the mornings or after activity or arch pain.
- Swelling on the bottom of the foot, especially where the heel meets the arch.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures and Tendinitis
Achilles tendon injuries can occur from a sudden jump or planting of the foot, or can occur from chronic repetitive damage.
The Achilles tendon is located behind the ankle, connecting the heel to the calf muscles. Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury marked by inflammation, pain, and irritation of the Achilles tendon that often occurs in middle-aged, recreational athletes. Overuse of the tendon results can lead to small internal tears, rendering it susceptible to rupture.
An Achilles tendon rupture is when this tendon tears and is one of the most painful ankle injuries that you can experience. Because the Achilles tendon is responsible for pushing off the ankle, a ruptured tendon can seriously affect your mobility.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injuries
- A sudden “pop” or “shot” when the tendon stretches
- Acute and chronic pain
- Burning sensations
- Loss of mobility in the foot
- Swelling
- Tingling
It’s critical to get treatment for Achilles tendon injuries before they become a chronic condition or become more serious.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or an Achilles tendon injury, call the professionals at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. today at (516) 679-2225 to schedule an appointment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is when the cartilage in a joint wears down and causes bones to grind together. People often think of arthritis as a condition that happens to the hands or knees, but the truth is that it can occur in any joint. Your feet and ankles take a lot of stress moving you around, leading to arthritis.
The most common form of arthritis in your ankles and feet usually occurs following a traumatic injury, including previous fractures, joint dislocations, or severe sprains. This trauma, which occurs years before arthritis starts, causes lasting damage to joint cartilage surfaces that helps to cushion the bones.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system turns against itself, creating cells that attack the joint linings and permanently destroy this essential joint component.
Arthritis Symptoms
Treating arthritis requires a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the underlying musculoskeletal issues. Arthritis has many symptoms, including:
- Numbness
- Pain
- Popping and/or snapping in the ankle and foot
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Foot and Ankle Injury Treatment at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.
Because the feet and ankles are essential to well-being and mobility, we use a holistic, whole-body approach to patient treatment. Along with exercise and physiotherapy, Dr. Marmorale utilizes the Graston Technique® to improve mobility, functionality, and reduce healing time. Since 2008, he has been one of the only Long Island-based certified Graston® clinicians. Call East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. today at (516) 679-2225 and get yourself moving along the road to wellness.
Useful Info and Health Tips
If you have foot or ankle injuries, in addition to seeking medical treatment, you can:
- Rest the injury for at least 72 hours.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain, on and off for 15-minute intervals.
- Apply a bandage for compression.
- Elevate your legs.
- Get orthotic inserts for your shoes for increased support.