Is Foot Pain a Sign of Spinal Issues?
By Sara Butler
Most people experience foot pain as the result of a poor choice in shoes, an injury, or a physical issue such as arthritis or tendonitis. But in some cases, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic see foot pain that is related to issues with the spine.
Studies have shown that dysfunctions in the spine can cause pain that shoots down the leg into the feet. Here's what you need to know about these dysfunctions and how the chiropractors at The Joint can help.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition that impacts the lower back. It occurs when one of the bones in the spine, the vertebra, slips forward. This compromises the integrity of the spine and can lead to other issues such as a pinched nerve, something that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms down the leg and into the foot.
Herniated Disc
When you have an issue relating to the discs in your back, then it can cause trouble with your feet. A herniated disc is when one of the discs in your back that sit between the bones in your spine lose their integrity. The soft, inner part of the disc either bulges out or leaks into the space surrounding the disc, which puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, irritating them. This pain can radiate from the nerve root out to the parts of your body it innervates. In the lower back, the nerve can cause pain all the way down to your feet, causing a burning sensation, pain, tingling, or even numbness from your hip to your foot.
Sciatica
Another issue related to the nerves in the lower back is sciatica. Your sciatic nerve is the largest in your body. It originates in the lower back and travels all the way to your toes. If it is irritated, then it can cause pain and discomfort anywhere along the way, even in your feet.
How the Chiropractor Can Help
If you're having pain in your feet that you think may be related to your spine, then the chiropractors at The Joint can help. They can determine the root cause of the pain and help to create a treatment plan to help you find relief. That's why you should never ignore or write off foot pain -- it could be the signal of something more serious going on that needs medical intervention.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.