Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Pain in the foot. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Pain in the foot.

Having pain in the foot and nearby structures can be extremely troublesome. Pain in the foot can be caused by several different factors, but some of the most common are overload, trauma, wear and tear, muscular failure loads and mechanical dysfunction. Pain in the foot or feet is a disorder that affects a larger proportion of the population.

Did you know: - Blueberry extract has a proven analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect?

In most cases, any tendon injuries can be investigated by a musculoskeletal expert (chiropractor, manual therapist or the like), and further confirmed by a diagnostic ultrasound or MRI where necessary.

- Also read: How long and how often should I freeze a sprained ankle?

- Also read: Stress fracture in the foot. Diagnosis, cause and treatment / measures.

X-ray of the foot

X-ray image of the foot - Photo Wikimedia

- X-ray of the foot, lateral angle (seen from the side), in the picture we see the tibia (inner shin), fibula (outer shin), talus (boat bone), calcaneus (heel), cuneiforms, metatarsal and phalanges (toes).

Classification of pain in the foot.

Pain in the foot can be divided into acute, subacute and chronic pain. Acute foot pain means that the person has had pain in the foot for less than three weeks, subacute is the period from three weeks to three months and the pain that has a duration of more than three months is classified as chronic. Pain in the foot can be due to tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, muscular tension, joint dysfunction and / or irritation of nearby nerves. A chiropractor or other expert in musculoskeletal, nerve and nerve disorders can diagnose your ailment and give you a thorough explanation of what can be done in the form of treatment and what you can do on your own. Make sure you do not walk with pain in the foot for a long time, rather contact a chiropractor and get diagnosed the cause of the pain.

First, a mechanical examination will be performed where the clinician looks at the foot's movement pattern or possible lack of this. Muscle strength is also studied here, as well as specific tests that give the clinician an indication of what gives the person pain in the foot. In case of foot problems, an imaging examination may be necessary. A chiropractor has the right to refer such examinations in the form of X-rays, MRI, CT and ultrasound. Conservative treatment is always worth trying for such ailments, before possibly considering more invasive procedures such as surgery. The treatment you receive will vary, depending on what was found during the clinical examination.

Feet. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Clinically proven effect on relieving pain in the foot in plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia.

A recent meta-study (Brantingham et al. 2012) showed that manipulation of plantar fascia and metatarsalgia gave symptomatic relief. Using this in conjunction with pressure wave therapy will produce an even better effect based on research. Indeed, Gerdesmeyer et al (2008) demonstrated that treatment with pressure waves provides a significant statistically significant improvement when it comes to pain reduction, functional improvement and quality of life after only 3 treatments in patients with chronic plantar fascia.

What does a chiropractor do?

Muscle, joint and nerve pain: These are things that a chiropractor can help prevent and treat. Chiropractic treatment is mainly about restoring movement and joint function that can be impaired by mechanical pain. This is done by so-called joint correction or manipulation techniques, as well as joint mobilization, stretching techniques, and muscular work (such as trigger point therapy and deep soft tissue work) on the involved muscles. With increased function and less pain, it may be easier for individuals to engage in physical activity, which in turn will have a positive effect on both energy, quality of life and health.

Exercises, training and ergonomic considerations.

An expert in musculoskeletal disorders can, based on your diagnosis, inform you about the ergonomic considerations you must take to prevent further damage, and thus ensure the fastest possible healing time. After the acute part of the ailment is over, you will also in most cases be assigned home exercises that also help to reduce the chance of relapse. In chronic ailments, it is necessary to go through the motor movements you make in everyday life, in order to weed out the cause of your pain occurring again and again.

Lecture or ergonomic fit for your business?

If you want a lecture or ergonomic fit for your company, please contact us. Studies have shown positive effects of such measures (Punnett et al, 2009) in the form of reduced sick leave and increased work productivity.

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What can you do yourself?

1. EXERCISES - for a longer lasting pain relief in plantar fasciitis or pain in the foot:

The 5 minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution:… »(…) The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution details in plain language what plantar fasciitis is, how to eliminate it (without drugs, surgery, or fancy equipment), and the things you can do to prevent it from ever coming back again. And the best part? It has been proven in randomized controlled trials to work on long-term plantar fasciitis sufferers — taking only minutes a day to do! ” … click on the image of the book om plantar fascite to learn more about how to correct the dysfunction that causes you pain.

EQUIPMENT - Foot trigger trigger. You will need this to dissolve in the foot muscle or to Implement 5 minute plantar fascitis solution:

Carnation PediRoller: … »(…) Carnation PediRoller can be easily used by following the information leaflet to help stretch the plantar fascia, increase flexibility and reduce pain. The ridged design massages tired feet, reducing tension and stimulating circulation. It can be used as cold therapy by chilling or freezing before use which will help reduce inflammation and comfort pain. »

Daily muscle roll dissolves in the foot muscles, which in turn leads to increased flexibility and less pain - this is done by reducing muscle tension and increasing blood circulation in the area involved.

Training:

• Chin-up / pull-up exercise bar can be an excellent exercise tool to have at home. It can be attached and detached from the door frame without the use of a drill or tool.
• Cross-trainer / ellipse machine: Excellent fitness training. Good for promoting movement in the body and exercising overall.
• Rubber exercise knit is an excellent tool for you who need to strengthen the shoulder, arm, core and more. Gentle but effective training.
• Kettlebells is a very effective form of training that produces fast and good results.
• Rowing Machines is one of the best forms of training you can use to get good overall strength.
• Spinning ergometer bike: Good to have at home, so you can increase the amount of exercise throughout the year and get better fitness.

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion. » - Muhammad Ali

 

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References:

1. NHI - Norwegian Health Informatics.
2. Brantingham, JW. Manipulative therapy for lower extremity conditions: update of a literature review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012 Feb;35(2):127-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.01.001.
3. Gerdesmeyer, L. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: results of a confirmatory randomized placebo-controlled multicenter study. Am J Sports Med. 2008 Nov; 36 (11): 2100-9. doi: 10.1177 / 0363546508324176. Epub 2008 Oct 1.
4. Punnett, L. et al. A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Workplace Health Promotion and Occupational Ergonomics Programs. Public Health Rep. , 2009; 124 (Suppl 1): 16–25.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Pain:

Q: I have pain on my foot. What could be the cause?

Answer: Without more information, it is impossible to give a specific diagnosis, but depending on the prehistory (was it trauma? Has it been long-lasting?) There can be a number of causes of pain on the foot. Pain on the foot can be caused by tendonitis in the extensor tendons at the top of the foot - then more specifically in the extensor digitorum or extensor hallucis longus. Other causes may be stress fracture, hammer toe / hallux valgus, nerve irritation, referred pain from nerves in the back, tinea pedis (foot fungus), ganglion cyst or tendonitis in the tibalis anterior.

||| Related questions with the same answer: "Why do you have pain in the footrest?"

Q: Pain under the feet, especially after a lot of strain. Cause / diagnosis?

Answer: There can be several causes of pain under the feet, but if it is due to overload then there is normally a problem with your plantar fascia (read: treatment of plantar fasciitis), soft tissue under the foot. Pressure wave therapy in combination with joint mobilization is one of the more common treatment modalities for this problem. Other causes of pain under the feet include biomechanical dysfunction in the joints, stress fracture, tendonitis in the posterior tibialis, collapsed arch (flatfoot), tarsal tunnel syndrome, nerve irritation, referred pain from nerves in the back, trench foot, metatarsalgia, foot cramp (read about: toe pullers) or poor footwear.

||| Related questions with the same answer: "Why do I have pain in the sole of the foot?", "Why do you have pain in the feet?", "Why do I have irritation in the tissue under the foot?", "Why do I have foot pain?", "Why get one acute pain in the foot? »

Q: Have a lot of pain on the outside of the foot. Possible causes?

Answer: The most common cause of pain on the outside of the foot is the coating or spraining of ligaments in the ankle, as more specifically the anterior tibiofibular ligament (ATFL), which is damaged if the foot goes into excess. inversion (when the foot rolls out so that the foot leaves are inward). Other causes are nerve irritation, referenced pain from nerves in the back, cuboid syndrome, peroneal tendonitis, stress fracture, bunion / hallux valgus, cornice / callus formations or arthritis.

||| Related questions with the same answer: "Why do I have pain on the outside of the foot?", "Pain on the outside of the foot. Cause?"

Q: How long does it take to get better with metatarsalgia?

Answer: It all depends on the cause and extent of the dysfunction that gives you these ailments. A musculoskeletal expert will evaluate your function and will refer you to the relevant imaging examination if necessary. It can take anywhere from a couple of days to several months - the latter is also called chronic ailment (over 3 months), and then it may be necessary with other measures such as evaluation of foot position / foot function or the like.

Q: Anatomical overview of plantar nerves in the foot?

Answer: Here you have an illustration that shows the plantar nerves in the foot. On the inside of the foot we find the medial plantar nerves, on the way out to the outside of the foot we find the lateral plantar nerves - in between the toes we find the common digital nerves, these are the ones that can be affected by what we call Morton's Nevrom Syndrome - which is a kind of irritated nerve node. Morton's neuroma syndrome usually occurs between the second and third toes, or the third and fourth toes.

Anatomical overview of plantar nerves in the foot - Photo Wikimedia

Q: Pain in extensor digitorum longus during running?

Answer: Naturally, extensor digitorum longus dysfunction may occur during running, which may be due to overload or poor footwear. It has two functions: Dorsiflexion of the ankle (toe lift) and extension (back bend) of the toes.

- Related questions with the same answer: 'Can one get pain in ekstendus digitoriu longus?'

Extensor Digitorum Longus Muskelen - Photo Wikimedia

Q: Can you have pain in the extensor hallucis longus when running?

Answer: Clearly, pain can be caused in the extensor hallucis longus during running, which can be caused by, among other things, failure (maybe you overpronate?) Or simply overload (have you been running too much lately?). Features include extension of the big toe, as well as assisting role in dorsiflexion of the ankle. It is also, to some extent, a weak inversion / eversion muscle. Here is an illustration that gives you an anatomical overview:

Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscles - Photo Wikimedia

Question: Overview of ligaments on the outside of the foot with photo?

Answer: On the outside of the foot / ankle we find three important ligaments that work to stabilize the ankle. They are called anterior (anterior) talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament og posterior (posterior) talofibular ligament. Ligament tension (without rupture), partial rupture or complete rupture in these can occur in the event of an inversion injury, what we in good Norwegian call 'wiggling the ankle'.

Ligaments on the outside of the foot - Photo: Healthwise