50+ Lifestyles

Start Your Spring Off On the Right Foot

By Dr. Taylor Bryant, DC
Bryant Chiropractic

I see patients with foot pain all year, but they come into the office with it most often during the spring and summer months. This certainly makes sense, as once it gets warmer, people start getting out and exercising more often. My first job is to take care of the spine, but many Chiropractors work on all joints of the body. We want you to function at your peak, and will treat anything we need to make that happen.

Believe it or not, there are some things that you can do at home to alleviate foot pain. As I recommend to my patients for many ailments, plain old ice and heat can really make a difference. An easy thing to do at home is to put marbles in a large bowl of warm water, and roll your feet across the marbles. The heat from the water will loosen up the soft tissues of the foot, and the marbles will give a nice, easy massage.

Therapeutic Ultrasound is a common therapy found in a Chiro or PT clinic, and is used for lots of inflammatory or overuse injuries, etc. Ultrasound uses soundwaves to clear out inflammation in the target area, and is completely painless. In fact, you probably won’t feel a thing! In my experience, Ultrasound is a very effective treatment for foot/heel pain, and conditions like Plantar Fasciitis. Ask your Chiropractor or PT about Ultrasound treatments, and if you feel like spending the money, there are a few pretty affordable machines that you can purchase and use yourself at home.

Exercises and therapies may give you relief, but many patients continue to have foot issues off and on long term. If this is the case, you may need to consider an investment in some custom orthotics. The insoles that come built into your shoes may feel comfortable for a while, but they unfortunately don’t do much in terms of arch support.

Everybody’s feet are different, so what you stand on should match the support that your arches need. Without proper support, you can put extra strain and stress on not only your feet, but your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. All of these areas can end up with chronic pains all stemming from your arches!

Fortunately you have options. A podiatrist can fit you with a good pair, or you can head to a place like the Good Feet store. Of course, you can also ask your trusty Chiropractor. If they are anything like me (if one of my patients is reading this, hello!) they may have access to Foot Levelers orthotics. I’ve been wearing them since I was a teen, and I know that if I forget to put them in my shoes, my knee will be aching by the end of the day.

Foot pain is debilitating, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet at work. By the time you get home, they hurt too badly to do anything that you enjoy, exercise included! That’s no good, and hopefully I’ve given you some good tips to handle some basic ailments. Take care of your feet, and they’ll take care of you. Doctor’s orders!

Dr. Taylor Bryant, DC can be contacted at Bryant Chiropractic, 5216 Sheridan St., Davenport, Iowa. (563) 324-1514.