The foot and ankle must provide support and shock absorption while at the same time balancing the body. This requires both mobility to adapt to varying terrain and stability to allow supported contact and push-off from the ground. Shock absorption occurs as a result of the dissipation of forces through complex movements at the foot and ankle and imposed adaptation through mainly rotation in the lower extremity at the knee, hip, and pelvis. Therefore dysfunction at the feet may have consequences throughout the entire body. Foot problems may be local or referred; however, the need for lower-extremity compensation may result in more proximal pain, including low back pain.

The most common conditions involving the foot and ankle are biomechanicaJ in nature and include the following:

• Ankle: inversion and eversion sprains.
• Achilles tendon/heel: tendinitis, bursitis, and fat pad syndrome
• First toe: hallux valgus/rigidus, turf toe, gout, and sesamoiditis.
• Metatarsals: Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia, "dropped metatarsal," and stress fractures.
• Medial longitudinal arch: pronation/supination effects, navicular restriction, plantar fasciitis, and pes planus (flat feet).
• Lateral foot: cuboid restriction, peroneal tendinitis, and fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal.

Treatment at Pioneer Sports and Pain Center includes the Graston Technique to help break up fibrotic adhesions that cause pain in the muscles and tendons of the feet. Along with exercises, stretches, and PT modalities in addition to the traditional chiropractic adjustment.

* Custom orthotics are offered at our clinic to treat some of the conditions mentioned above.

The doctors at Pioneer Sports and Pain Center are trained to treat a wide range of injuries and pain syndromes. They treat injuries of the neck and back as well as the extremities. Acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic, degenerative conditions can be effectively treated conservatively at Pioneer Sports and Pain Center. Some conditions require additional medical treatment, and the doctors at Pioneer Sports and Pain Center work closely with specialists in all areas of medicine and help patients get to the right provider when a referral is indicated.

Information obtained from Differential Diagnoses and Management for the Chiropractor