A lot of people experience foot pain or other foot symptoms while exercising. Most people come to the false conclusion that it’s a normal part of the process. Contrary to popular belief, foot pain while exercising is not normal.

The most common areas that patients complain about foot pain are; heel pain, arch pain, and forefoot pain (under the ball of the foot or the toes). Foot pain can hinder your ability to walk, run or exercise.

At our office, we take care of many patients who suffer needlessly from foot pain and dysfunction.

We recommend that you think of your feet first when you engage in new exercise routines. Instead of throwing on an old pair of worn-out tennis shoes, you should invest in a quality pair of walking or running shoes. Another good recommendation is to have a separate pair of shoes that you use for exercise only.

Everybody has individual footwear needs that are unique. Therefore, instead of making a blanket statement and recommending one particular brand of shoes, you should take your time and make sure you get fitted appropriately and try on several different pairs. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a new pair of tennis shoes:

1. Be sure to have both feet measured by a store rep. Often times one foot is slightly larger than the other. If the size difference is significant for you (such as a half-size difference), purchase your shoes for the larger foot.
2. If you have wide feet it may help to look for shoe brands that offer width variations. People often experience undue foot stress while exercising due to shoes that are too narrow for their feet.
3. Replace running shoes regularly. Most running shoes should be replaced at approximately 300-400 miles of use. Even though the tread may appear to be well maintained, the midsole will lose its shock-absorbing qualities. Continued use can cause increased micro-trauma to the feet and ankles, which can lead to foot pain, knee pain, or shin splints while running.

Even if you wear the highest quality shoes and change them regularly, doesn’t mean you won’t develop a musculoskeletal foot condition at some point. Most foot problems are related to a structural imbalance involving the muscles, bones, and joints. These structural imbalances can be helped through specific chiropractic adjustments to the foot and ankle.

Chiropractic care is effective in helping different types of foot conditions, not just the spine. Therefore, if someone you know suffers from foot pain have them call our office to schedule a foot evaluation.

It’s possible that a structural problem is present. Such as a misalignment of one or more of the 26-foot bones. It’s important to know that simply choosing a new pair of shoes will not provide a lasting solution. When foot bones and joints lose their healthy alignment, it can have a negative impact on your overall health.

Chiropractic adjustments to the tiny bones of the feet will promote good foot and ankle flexibility, as well as increased strength and agility. This will allow you to wear a broader selection of footwear while engaging in your exercise routine.