Ankle and foot pain

What it usually is

Your feet are the first thing to hit the ground every step, so they take a beating. The common ones I see are rolled ankles, sore heels first thing in the morning, and aches under the ball of the foot. Most of it is joints, ligaments, tendons or the thick band under your foot getting irritated, not something broken. Do chiropractors work on other areas other than the spine? Yup, from your head to your toes.

What it often feels like

The first few steps out of bed feel like walking on a bruise, then it eases up. A rolled ankle is swollen and sore, and it can feel wobbly for a long time after. Some foot pain only shows up on long walks, or on the hard floor at work.

What we look at

How the ankle and the little joints of the foot move, and which ones are stiff or sore. How you stand, walk and balance on one leg. Your shoes, which I will judge (a little). And your knees, hips and back, because they all sit on top of your feet.

What usually helps

Adjusting and mobilizing the ankle and foot joints, plus soft tissue work on the calf and foot. Taping, to give a sore ankle or arch some support while it settles. Exercise, especially balance work after a sprain, since a sprained ankle likes to get sprained again. Custom orthotics, when your feet are part of the story, which we scan and fit right here. Not everyone needs orthotics, and I will tell you if you don't.

What you can do at home

After a sprain, keep it moving gently and put weight on it as it allows, rather than keeping it up for weeks. Practice standing on one leg while you brush your teeth. Roll the sole of your foot on a ball, and stretch your calves. Look at your shoes: if they are worn flat, that's your sign.

When it's not a chiro problem

Get an x-ray first if you can't take four steps on it, or if it hurts to press on the bony knobs of your ankle or the outside edge of your foot. If it felt like someone kicked you in the back of the heel and you can't push up onto your toes, go to emergency, that can be the Achilles tendon. A hot, red, swollen foot or calf needs a medical doctor the same day. If you have diabetes, any foot wound, colour change or new numbness goes to your doctor first.