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Dr. Todd P. Sullivan

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Why Chiropractors Use X-rays As A Diagnostic Tool For Treatment

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Most healthcare providers use x-rays as a diagnostic tool to treat a variety of patient complaints, including chiropractors. They can help doctors identify the source of a problem or if there is something more going on. X-rays can also help chiropractors determine the best course of action for treatment. To understand more, let’s take a closer look at what they are and how they’re used in most chiropractic offices.

What are x-rays?

An x-ray is a very vigorous form of electromagnetic radiation that is similar to radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, microwaves, or visible light that is used to view the internal composition of a person or thing. A beam is focused on a certain part of a person’s body, such as the back, it produces a digital image of the skeletal structure.

The beam passes easily through skin and other soft tissues, but is unable to pass through bone and teeth. Soft tissue that is denser, such as organs, ligaments, and muscles, will be visible, but will be captured in shades of gray. Areas like the bowel or lungs appear on the film as black.

The use of chiropractic x-rays

Chiropractic x-rays provide vital information that can affect how the chiropractor chooses to treat a patient. In some cases, chiropractic care or spinal manipulation may not be an appropriate course of action at that time and the patient may be started on a different, gentler therapy.

Other times, it can show the chiropractor how to best proceed in treating the patient. In short, patients are able to receive better, more well-rounded care which can better facilitate their healing and pain management.

Some of the benefits of chiropractic x-rays include:

  • Identify a condition or symptom, such as a spinal tumor or lesion, that would provide a medical reason that a certain course of care should not be done.
  • Obtain important biomechanical information that can aid in guiding treatment.
  • To stay apprised and maintain a record of a patient’s degenerative process.
  • Aid in identifying anomalies in the spine and joints that can affect treatment.
  • Allows patients to better understand their condition and treatment plan, allowing them to take ownership of the process and be more involved in their therapy and healing.

What does a chiropractor look for on an x-ray film?

When a chiropractor takes an x-ray of a patient, they are looking for things in several very specific areas. The first thing they check is to make sure that there are no dislocations, fractures, cancer, infections, tumors, or other potentially dangerous conditions.

They then look for disk height and other signs of disk degeneration, bone density, bone spurs, joint spaces, and alignment. This allows them to identify conditions like scoliosis and other conditions that may require specific forms of treatment.

Many chiropractors prefer that the patient is in a weight bearing position when taking spinal x-rays. This differs from the majority of medical facilities which have the patient lie down.

The advantage of a weight bearing x-ray is that it allows for measuring such as with leg length deficiency, scoliosis, and the narrowing of joint space. It can also show that certain bones, such as the tibia and fibula, are separating which can be an indication of a torn tendon or problem with the joint. A non-weight bearing x-ray simply cannot provide the same perspective and vital clues to a patient’s condition may be missed.

How Chiropractic Can Benefit Athletes Who Suffer From Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Every year an estimated 3.8 million people in the United states sustain mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) or concussions. Many of these injuries are due to sports related activities, work related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and military operations. It is also estimated that as many as 50 percent of MTBIs are never reported because the patient does not seek medical attention. This makes it difficult to get a solid number on how many there actually are, but it is a prevalent condition.

The Brain and Skull

A patient does not have to actually hit their head to sustain a MTBI. It can be caused by whiplash even though the person never hit their head. The reason for this lies in the construction of the brain and skull.

The brain is very soft, some experts compare the texture to that of soft butter. The skull is designed to protect the brain, and it is extremely hard. If you run your hand over your head, you may feel some lumps and bumps, it may not feel completely even, but the surface will be smooth.

The same cannot be said for the inside of the skull. There are a number of boney ridges on the inside that are quite sharp. The design is intended to keep the brain in place.

When the head is hit or is jolted hard enough it caused the brain to shift inside of the skull, coming into contact with those boney ridges – sometimes forcefully. This can cause damage and the result in a brain injury. The harder the jolt, the more serious the injury may be.

Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Part of the problem with MTBI is that the symptoms may not show up immediately. They could emerge weeks or even months after the incident making it unlikely that the symptoms will be tracked back and connected to it.

Common symptoms of MTBI include:

  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Moodiness
  • Photophobia
  • Problems with balance
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Anger issues, outbursts
  • Sleep issues
  • Problems with memory
  • Social isolation
  • Fatigue – mental or physical
  • Elevated anxiety
  • Vision problems
  • Sound sensitivity

Often, MTBI is called a “silent epidemic” because the symptoms that it causes are usually not visible and may not be immediately connected to the injury. Depression, anxiety, angry outbursts, and impaired memory are more likely to be considered a psychiatric issue instead of a neurological one. The symptoms can be debilitating just the same.

Evaluation and diagnosis of an MTBI

Chiropractors routinely treat patients with MTBI. When they are presented with a patient that they know has sustained a head injury, or if they suspect a brain injury based on certain symptoms, they use the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) to determine the severity. The SCAT2 helps the chiropractor create evaluate the physical signs, symptoms, sideline assessment using Maddocks score, Glasgow Coma Scale, coordination, balance, and cognitive assessment.

As they evaluate the patient, they look for specific markers that indicate the patient is experiencing worsening neurological symptoms. These include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Vomiting
  • Headache gets worse
  • Increased confusion
  • Weakness on one side or in one leg or arm
  • Blurred vision
  • Dilated pupils
  • Balance or coordination problems

Chiropractic Treatment for MTBI

A head injury usually involves a neck injury as well. The chiropractor may use a variety of techniques to treat the patient, including spinal manipulation, massage, and bracing. The patient will also be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medication, aspirin, alcohol, and sleep aids, using acetaminophen for pain as needed. If the patient needs to see another doctor or specialist, the chiropractor will refer them.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Daily Headaches

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It’s estimated that half of the world’s adult population struggles with headaches at least once a year. These headaches can cause pain and disability which can affect your quality of life. But… why live with daily headaches when you can ease them away?

Why it Matters:

A quick visit to a Chiropractor can provide you with the care you need. Chiropractors can help relieve headaches in many ways. Here are just a few:

  1. Exploring Your History: During your initial assessment, your Chiropractor will perform a comprehensive history and examination. This assessment allows them to determine if your symptoms are from spinal issues or something else. They’ll also rule out other possible causes for your daily headaches as well as potential triggers. For example, diet, alcohol, or stress might contribute to your frequent headaches.
  2. Chiropractic Adjustments: New studies have shown that Chiropractic care can help improve headache pain. Chiropractors are highly trained in spinal manipulation and adjustments. They use their hands to apply a small force to a specific spinal joint. When the force is applied, you might hear a slight pop, and even some people feel immediate relief!
  3. Exercises: Deep neck flexor exercises are also great for treating cervicogenic headaches. You can also ask your Chiropractor about active care techniques and exercises. Using these techniques at home can help you ease your headaches between your appointments.

Next Steps:

It’s time to bring an end to that throbbing in your head. With Chiropractic care, you can ease your daily headaches starting today and live a pain-free life. When is your next adjustment?

 

Science Source(s):

Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. JMPT 2011

Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache: a single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial. BMC 2017

The Link Between Stress and Headaches

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Are you feeling rushed? Are you dreading a big meeting at work? These events can all add up to the start of a headache. Often, it’s not the event itself that results in a headache, but rather, your body’s reaction to stress. If you cope by clenching your jaw or tensing your muscles, you may be more likely to experience headaches as a result.

Why it Matters:

Episodic headaches, or those that occur sporadically, are often triggered by isolated, stressful incidents, while chronic headaches typically happen because of daily, constant stress. A few of the most common everyday stress triggers include relationship troubles, anxiety, poor sleep habits, or significant life changes.

Tips for Reducing Stress

Exercise More: Regular exercise boosts endorphins, which help put you in a better mood. It also increases energy and helps take the focus off the events that are stressing you out.

Get Some Sleep: Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Falling asleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning will help you fall into a healthy sleep pattern.

Relax: Make time for relaxation techniques that help you feel calm during periods of high stress. Meditation and yoga are just two techniques that can help you feel relaxed and collected under pressure and help mitigate the onset of stress.

See a Chiropractor: Keeping your spinal joints moving correctly can reduce the strain on your spine and it’s supporting muscles. Chiropractic care can help you relieve pent up stress in your body and get you feeling better quickly.

Next Steps:

So, can stress cause headaches? Yes. While there is a link between stress and headaches, now you know there are ways to relieve it. When you feel the stressors of your daily life start to add up, take a moment to practice some relaxation techniques and make sure you get in some exercise. Use preventive measures like eating well and getting better sleep. And be sure to make time to see your Chiropractor to keep your body relaxed and stress-free.

 

Science Source(s):

Sleep and Migraine: Assessment and Treatment of Comorbid Sleep Disorders. Headache 2018

Anatomy 101 – The Lumbar Spine: What Chiropractic Patients Need to Know

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The lumbar spine, or lower back, take a lot of stress and strain throughout the day. The spine provides stabilization for the entire body and the lumbar spine bears the brunt of much of the movement and activity. This wear and tear shows up as lower back pain in many people. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that 31 million Americans have low back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, the leading cause of disability is low back pain – not only in the U.S. but worldwide.

What is the Lumbar Spine?

Located in the lower back area, the lumbar region is the portion of the spine that begins below the shoulder blades, about five or six inches, at the lordosis (where it curves in toward the abdomen). There are five vertebrae that make up the lumbar spine, L1 through L5 – which also happen to be the largest unfused vertebrae in the entire spinal column. The lower vertebrae bear more weight than the upper vertebrae so they are constructed to be sturdier, but are also more prone to injury and degradation.

The L5 vertebra meets the S1 (the sacrum) at the lumbosacral joint. It is this joint that provides most of the range of motion including rotational flexibility of the hips and pelvis, allowing them to swing during movement such as running and walking.

The spinal cord ends at around the L1 and many nerve roots that originate at the spinal cord form what is called the cauda equine. These nerves travel down the spine, branching out to the legs, buttocks, and feet. The appearance resembles a horse’s tail, hence the name. Because the spinal cord does not extend into the lumbar area, the chance of a problem with the lower back resulting in paralysis or damage to the spinal cord is very rare.

Lower Back Pain

The most common causes for lower back pain are soft tissue injuries and mechanical problems. Either of these can damage the intervertebral discs, compress the nerve roots, and inhibit correct function of the spinal joints so that they don’t move properly. Lower back pain is most commonly caused by a pulled or torn muscle or ligament, known as a sprain or strain. These injuries can have a number of causes, including:

  • Prolonged improper posture
  • Improper lifting of something heavy (without using your legs)
  • Sports injuries, particularly those where the player sustains high impact or where a lot of twisting is involved
  • Lifting while twisting the spine
  • A fall or movement that occurs suddenly and puts a great deal of stress on the lumbar area

Chiropractic Care for the Lumbar Spine

Chiropractic care is a very popular, effective treatment for lower back pain. A chiropractor can help patients manage their back pain through spinal adjustments and lifestyle advice. They may recommend supplements, exercise, and dietary changes. The whole-body approach to chiropractic makes it an optimal choice for many people, especially those who don’t want to take medications or undergo invasive procedures.

The chiropractic treatment itself usually involves spinal manipulation and mobilization. Spinal manipulation is the technique that most people think of when they think of chiropractic. It involves a short lever, high velocity arm thrust applied directly to the vertebra that is injured or is causing the pain. This technique typically relieves pain, improves the function of the spine, and restores the back’s range of motion. Mobilization is a low velocity movement performed by the chiropractor to manipulate the area, stretching and moving the joints and muscles.

These techniques typically restore range of motion and flexibility to the spine while reducing pain. For people with chronic lower back pain, chiropractic care can be a game changer.

Anatomy 101 – The Thoracic Spine: What Chiropractic Patients Need to Know

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Back pain can be debilitating. A patient can find they have trouble moving or engaging in regular activities like lifting their children or even walking. Pain in the mid to upper back can be caused by a variety of issues, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Many people see chiropractors to get relief from their back pain, but there are some things that chiropractic patients should know so that they can get the most out of their treatments.

What is the Thoracic Spine?

There are 12 vertebrae that make up the thoracic spine which is located just above the lumbar spine and just below the cervical spine. It is often referred to as the upper back. This part of the spine has several very important functions. The ribs connect with this portion of the spine and it also is responsible for protecting the spinal cord.

The thoracic spine also differs from the lumbar spine and cervical spine. Instead of curving inward (lordosis) as those areas do, it curves outward (kyphosis). This provide the freedom of movement that allows a person to bend forward and touch their toes. It does not allow for much bending backwards; that typically comes from the lower back.

There are many nerves that extend from the thoracic spine. They control organ function for the major organs, including:

T1 to T4

  • Heart
  • Esophagus
  • Upper body muscles
  • Lungs
  • Larynx
  • Part of the arms
  • Trachea
  • Esophagus

T5 to T10

  • Gallbladder
  • Diaphragm
  • Small intestine
  • Appendix
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Suprarenal gland
  • Stomach
  • Spleen
  • Adrenal gland
  • Pancreas

T11 to T12

  • Small intestines
  • Mid to upper body muscles
  • Lymph circulation
  • Colon
  • Solar plexus
  • Uterus

Mid to Upper Back Pain

Pain in the thoracic area of the spine is often caused by muscle strain, overuse, and injury to the discs, ligaments, and muscles that surround the spine and support it. Poor posture can also cause pain in that area. It is also very common for myofascial pain to affect the connective tissue of` muscle groups and individual muscles These problems can occur due to a variety of causes:

  • Slouching or slumping while standing or sitting
  • Getting in a car accident where the patient is lurched forward or jolted
  • Lifting something that is too heavy
  • Yard work
  • Getting struck or hit in the back
  • Playing sports

Osteoarthritis can also occur in this area. It is caused by torn cartilage brought about by the everyday wear and teas and even the simple process of aging. Fractured vertebrae can also cause back pain in the thoracic area, as can a herniated disc, and a spine that is oddly shaped or misshapen. Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can also be culprits.

Chiropractic Care for the Thoracic Spine

The goal of the chiropractor treating a patient for thoracic back pain will usually focus on reducing the pain and inflammation in the area. The treatments may include:

  • Spinal adjustments
  • Specialized exercise recommendations
  • Ergonomic training
  • Distraction
  • Heat or ice
  • Traction
  • Electrical stimulation

The chiropractor may also recommend nutritional supplements like proteolytic enzymes to aid in managing the swelling and pain that may be caused by disc herniation and some other back injuries. They may also recommend dietary changes or weight loss to help the patient manage their pain.

Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for mid to upper back pain. Many patients experience results immediately which is another draw for people. Most patients with back problems will be advised to maintain regular chiropractic visits in order to effective manage the pain and keep it at bay.

What Type of Headache Do You Have?

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Headaches are experienced a little bit differently by everyone. You may feel tired, have blurred vision, a stiff neck, or feel as if you’re unable to function for the day. But they do all have one thing in common – they are not “normal” to deal with frequently.

Why it Matters:

There are many different types of headaches and knowing which one you have is the first step towards finding relief. Here are a few of the most common headache types:

Migraine: Migraines come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, you’ll feel a throbbing on one side of your head. This type of headache can be incredibly painful and can last up to 3 days. You may feel nauseous, have difficulty speaking, or even be sensitive to light, sound, or smell.

Tension Headache: Tension headaches are very common and may affect up to 20% of the population. They usually consist of a constant dull pain that is felt on both sides of the head. Stress, anxiety, or depression are a few of the triggers for a tension headache. You could also get them from dehydration, loud noises, lack of sleep, or even by not getting enough exercise. In short, living a healthy lifestyle is a great way to get rid of tension headaches.

Cluster Headache: Cluster headaches are usually experienced more by men than by women. You will generally feel an intense burning or even a piercing feeling behind or around one of your eyes. These types of headaches usually come when you least expect them and can last anywhere between 15 minutes to three hours.

Next Steps:

If you’re having trouble with migraine, tension, or cluster headaches, make sure to consult with our healthcare team. Did you know research has shown and continues to show that Chiropractic care can reduce the intensity, severity, and frequency of many common headaches… all without the need for medications. Think about that the next time you find yourself dealing with one too many headache episodes. We’re here to help!

Anatomy 101 – The Cervical Spine: What Chiropractic Patients Need to Know

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Neck pain is one of the most common sources of pain and chronic pain worldwide. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, each year, around 30% to 50% of the general population experiences neck pain and around 15% will, at some point in their lives, have chronic neck pain. Women seem to experience it more often than men and it is most prevalent at around middle age. Neck pain can be debilitating, impacting a person home life as well as their work performance. It can also trigger migraines and limit range of motion. Understanding the cervical spine is integral in understanding how to manage pain in that area.

What is the Cervical Spine?

There are seven vertebrae that make up the cervical spine: C1 through C7. They protect the spinal cord and are part of the system that makes up the neck.

C1 is located at the base of the skull and C7 sits at the beginning of the thoracic spine. While C1 is the smallest vertebrae, each subsequent one is slightly larger as you move down the spine. This is necessary because the farther down the spine, the more weight it must bear.

The vertebrae C3 through C6 are called “typical vertebrae.” Like other vertebrae in the spine, they have a similar construction. The top vertebrae, C1 and C2 are “atypical vertebrae.” Their construction is somewhat different from typical vertebrae due to their specialized function and location.

The atlas, C1, is the only vertebrae that has more of a ring shape than a shape resembling a vertebra. It is what connects the skull to the spine and is responsible for about half of the head’s backward and forward range of motion.

The axis, C2, is the second vertebra and has a special construction that connects it to C1 at the atlanto-axial joint. It is responsible for around half of the head’s rotation. The vertebra prominens, C7, is much larger than the vertebrae that sit above it and its shape is different to facilitate its connection to T1, at the beginning of the thoracic spine.

Neck Pain

The cervical spine has several critical functions. It houses the spinal cord and protects it, supports the head and facilitates its movement, and facilitates the flow of blood to the brain.

The human head is around 10 to 13 pounds and the cervical spine, along with an intricate network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments support it. This is what also allow flexibility to the head so that it can move up and down, backwards and forwards, rotational, and side bending. This job alone puts a great deal of stress on the neck and can lead to neck pain. Common causes of neck pain include:

  • Whiplash (whipping the head forwards and then backwards very suddenly)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Pinched nerve
  • Age related conditions
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Sleeping in certain positions
  • Neck strain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Keeping the neck in one position too long, such as looking down at a mobile device
  • Herniated disc
  • Neck injury
  • Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic Care for the Cervical Spine

A chiropractor will typically treat a patient with neck pain using cervical spinal manipulation, cervical spinal mobilization, or a combination of the two techniques. Cervical spinal manipulation is what most people think of regarding chiropractic treatment. It involves brief, quick thrusts that focus on a single joint at a time so that range of motion is returned to that area. Cervical spinal mobilization is a gentler, lower impact adjustment that does not use as much force but does move the joint to its correct position.

Other treatments the chiropractor may employ include the application of cold or heat, massage, and exercises to strengthen and stretch the neck. The doctor will carefully consider the patient, their lifestyle, habits, and current level of fitness then create a plan that is tailored specifically for them that will help them manage their pain and return flexibility and range of motion as quickly as possible.

How the Quality of Sleep Affects Your Overall Health

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We live in a largely sleep deprived society. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 3 people in the United States does not get enough sleep on a regular basis. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation reports that 45 percent of adults in the US admit that insufficient or poor sleep has had an impact on their daily activities at least once in the previous week. What’s more, about a third of the people who said they slept the number of hours that doctors recommend reported experiencing poor sleep quality.

How Lack of Sleep Affects the Body

Insufficient or poor sleep has been linked to numerous health issues. People who don’t get enough sleep or their sleep quality is poor, have a higher risk of developing dangerous health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Over the long term it has been linked to a shortened lifespan. It may be tempting to forego sleep to have a few extra hours of awake time, but the price is far too high. Your body and mind need sleep and when you deny that need you set in motion the potential for some serious impacts on your health.

Sleep is when your body and brain rest and rejuvenate. When you have adequate sleep you will find that you are more focused and you have better mental clarity.

You will also notice increased energy and a better mood. When you don’t give your body the rest it needs you will begin to feel drained and irritable.

You may also notice that you get sick more often as sleep is directly tied to immune function. One study even found that people who got eight hours of sleep a night were less likely to catch a cold or develop cold symptoms that those who got less than seven hours a night.

In fact, those who got less than seven hours were three times more likely to get sick. There is no denying, sleep is important.

Amazing Benefits of Sleep

There is no denying that sleep is absolutely vital for a healthier mind and body. This include quality of sleep. A poor quality of sleep can be just as detrimental as not getting enough hours of sleep and can still lead to sleep deprivation. A great deal of research has been done on the effects of sleep and research has shown that getting good sleep provides great benefits including:

  • Longer life
  • Increased production at work
  • Enhanced athletic performance
  • Less anxiety and depression
  • Better outlook on life
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Healthier spine
  • Better pain management
  • Improved grades
  • Lowered risk of certain health conditions
  • Better memory
  • Increased creativity
  • Decreased chance of auto accidents
  • Lower stress level
  • Better decision making
  • Enhanced attention or focus

Portrait of a Good Night’s Sleep

Adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, preferably uninterrupted, within a 24-hour period on a regular basis. There is more to a good night’s sleep than just quantity though. You should be able to fall asleep within about 20 minutes after you lie down and your sleep is continuous.

When you wake, you should feel refreshed and alert, productive throughout most of the day – although it is normal for a person to notice a temporary decrease in energy and alertness later in the afternoon.

If your family members, friend, or spouse notice any unusual or troubling sleep behaviors such as snoring, restlessness, pauses in breathing, or nightmares it could indicate a larger problem other than the interrupted sleep. It is well worth visiting your doctor to get help and remedy the situation because sleep is one of the most important needs your body has – and you can’t survive without it.

How Flat Feet Can Cause Low Back Pain

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The human body is an intricate machine; everything is connected in one way or another. This means that when one part is not functioning as it should it can throw everything out of balance. The relationship between the feet, back, and hips is significant, so when there is a problem with feet it can cause pain in those areas. Flat feet is a foot problem that is a very common cause of lower back pain. However, many people who have fallen arches don’t even realize that they have an issue.

What are Flat Feet?

There are more than 100 ligaments and muscles in the foot that stabilize the bones and keep everything in the proper position. Ligaments prevent joints from extending beyond their intended limits. They contain elastin which allows them to act much like a rubber band, stretching with movement or flexion then returning to their normal length when the joint returns to its resting position.

There are variety of things that can happen that cause those ligaments to stretch, causing them to lose their ability to support the foot as they should. This can lead to pes planus (flatfeet), also known as fallen arches.

Most people don’t realize that there are actually three arches in the foot, not just one: lateral, medial, and anterior. They act as shock absorbers for the body. When they don’t function as they should, don’t absorb the shock of movement and activity, it puts added wear and tear on the body. While foot, knee, hip, and back pain is common with fallen arches, it also is a major cause of impaired functioning of the lower extremities. It can also lead to balance problems.

Causes of Flat Feet

The primary cause of flat feet is improper footwear. Shoes that do not adequately support your foot and arch can lead to structural problems.

Other causes of fallen arches include:

  • Tendons in the foot that are torn or stretched
  • Certain health conditions including
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Pregnancy
    • Diabetes
    • Obesity
    • Aging
  • Structural abnormalities that are present from birth
  • Inflammation, deformity, or damage of the posterior tibial tendon that runs from the middle of the arch to the lower leg, running along the ankle
  • Nerve issues
  • Bones that are dislocated or broken

Recognizing the symptoms of fallen arches and knowing that you have a problem can help to prevent the pain but can also arrest further damage to the foot.

Do you have Flat Feet?

While many people with fallen arches experience no symptoms or problems, others do. If you experience any of these symptoms of flat feet, it should prompt a visit to your doctor.

  • Pain in the foot, knee, leg, hip, or lower back
  • Feet that easily get tired
  • Difficulty with balance
  • Swelling on the bottom of the foot
  • Pain or achiness in the foot, particularly in the heel or arch
  • Certain movements. such as standing on tip toe, are difficult

There is a quick, simple test that you can do at home to see if you have fallen arches:

  1. Wet your feet
  2. Stand on a flat, hard surface, such as a floor or concrete pad (you need to be able to see your footprint) or walk in soft soil or sand
  3. Look at your footprints. If you see a footprint that shows the heel and ball of your foot with a thin, curved imprint running along the outside, then your foot structure is normal. If you can see the imprint of your entire foot then you probably have fallen arches.

The problem with fallen arches is that the damage cannot really be reversed once it begins. However, the progression can be stopped with proper treatment.

What are the Treatments for Flat Feet?

The treatment for fallen arches depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If it isn’t causing pain or other problems, the doctor may elect to do nothing.

However, if there is pain or mobility issues present, treatments may include bracing, prescribing NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, and even surgery in some cases of torn tendons or broken bones. An increasingly popular treatment for fallen arches is chiropractic care. This natural, non-invasive therapy treats the whole body so that it addresses the cause of the condition as well as associated risk factors and helps patients manage the pain, greatly improving their quality of life.