Ankle and foot pain might not seem like a chiropractic condition at first, but for patients who spend their days walking the streets of downtown Chicago it is a significant and often undertreated problem. The feet are the foundation of the entire musculoskeletal system. When they are not functioning properly the effects travel upward through the ankles, knees, hips, and into the lumbar spine. Treating ankle and foot pain effectively often means looking beyond the foot itself and understanding how it fits into the broader mechanical picture.
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At Loop Spine & Sports Center, ankle and foot conditions are among the most common reasons patients are prescribed custom orthotics, and many patients who come in for low back or knee pain discover that their feet are a significant part of the problem.
Common Ankle and Foot Conditions We Treat
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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most prevalent foot conditions in active adults and one of the most common foot complaints we see in the office. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. The characteristic heel pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting is one of the most recognizable presentations in chiropractic practice.
Plantar fasciitis responds well to a combination of chiropractic care, soft tissue treatment, therapeutic ultrasound, and custom orthotics that address the underlying mechanical factors contributing to the condition.
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Ankle sprains are one of the most common acute injuries in active patients. A sprain that is not properly rehabilitated can leave residual joint restriction, muscle weakness, and proprioceptive deficits that make the ankle vulnerable to re-injury and contribute to altered mechanics throughout the lower extremity. Chiropractic adjusting of the ankle joint combined with soft tissue treatment addresses the residual restriction and helps restore normal joint mechanics after a sprain.
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Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone and along its length. It is common in runners and active patients and responds well to soft tissue treatment, therapeutic ultrasound, and activity modification combined with custom orthotics to reduce the mechanical load on the tendon.
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Overpronation and flat feet alter the mechanics of the entire lower extremity and are among the most common underlying factors in a wide range of conditions from plantar fasciitis and ankle pain to knee pain, hip pain, and low back pain. Custom orthotics designed to address overpronation are one of the most consistently effective interventions for patients whose conditions have a foot mechanics component.
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How We Treat Ankle and Foot Pain
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Treatment at Loop Spine & Sports Center for ankle and foot conditions typically includes chiropractic adjusting of the affected joints, massage therapy and soft tissue work targeting the muscles and fascia of the foot, ankle, and lower leg, therapeutic ultrasound for tendinitis and inflammatory conditions, and custom foot orthotics when the mechanical picture supports their use. The lumbar spine and lower extremity kinetic chain are evaluated as part of the examination to ensure that contributing factors above the foot are identified and addressed.
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What to Expect
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Most ankle and foot conditions that do not involve fracture or significant ligament rupture respond well to conservative chiropractic care. Dr. Trottier will evaluate your specific presentation during your first visit and give you an honest assessment of whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation or whether imaging or a referral is the more appropriate next step.
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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
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New patients are welcome and can take advantage of our $75 first visit special, which includes a thorough consultation, complete spinal examination, digital x-rays if needed, and a report of findings. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what is going on and whether we can help.
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Loop Spine & Sports Center is located at 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 605 in the heart of the Chicago Loop, steps from Millennium Park and accessible from every CTA train line.