Can individuals with leg and back pain find the relief by incorporating decompression to reduce pain-like associated symptoms?
Introduction
The lower extremities help stabilize the upper body’s weight and provide movement to the individual. The lower body portions include the lower back, pelvis, hips, thighs, legs, and feet, as they all have specific jobs to do and have an outstanding relationship with each other. However, their lower back and legs are susceptible to injuries. When environmental factors or injuries start to cause issues in the musculoskeletal system, it can lead to referred pain and overlapping risk profiles that can cause a person to have mobility and stability issues. The affected muscles, tissues, ligaments, and nerve roots can become irritated, weak, and tight when environmental factors start to compress the spine and lead to pain over time. Today’s article looks at how the back and legs work together in the body, how they are impacted by pain from environmental factors, and how spinal decompression can reduce leg and back pain. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to provide numerous treatments to minimize back and leg pain affecting their mobility. We also inform and guide patients on how treatments like decompression can help reduce pain-like symptoms within the legs and back. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricated and important questions about the referred pain-like symptoms they are experiencing from their legs and since that is disrupting their daily routine. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How The Back & Legs Work Together?
Do you feel radiating pain in your back that is affecting your ability to walk? Do you experience muscle aches or tiredness in your legs after a long workday? Or do you feel stiffness in your back and legs after waking up? Many of these scenarios are correlated with leg and back pain that can impact a person’s gait and lead to associated pain-like symptoms. The back and leg muscles work together through the sciatic nerve, a long nerve from the lumbar spinal region, past the gluteal muscles, traveling down the back of the legs and stopping at the knees. The back consists of the core muscles and the lumbar spinal region, allowing the person to bend, twist, and extend.
Meanwhile, the leg muscles help a person become mobile while stabilizing the person’s weight. These two muscle groups have an outstanding relationship in the lower extremities, as people need to be mobile when doing activities. However, they can also become vulnerable to injuries and pain that can cause disability issues.
How Pain Is Associated With The Back & Legs?
When it comes to the lower back and the legs, environmental factors and traumatic injuries can affect the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerve roots. For example, when working individuals routinely lift heavy objects, it can increase the risk of developing lower back pain while causing whole-body vibrations in the legs. (Becker & Childress, 2019) This is because what the heavy loading object does to the lower back is that it causes the spine to be compressed and contract the surrounding muscle. When it is repeated constantly, it can cause the spinal disc to herniate and aggravate the nerve roots. When these nerve roots become aggravated, it can lead to nerve entrapment and inflammation, thus causing individuals to experience chronic leg pain, foot drop, or ankle stability that affects their mobility. (Fortier et al., 2021)
Additionally, back and leg pain can even happen when the spine starts to experience degeneration, a natural process when the spinal disc shrinks over time. When the spinal disc in the lumbar spinal region degenerates over time, the nutrient supplies and changes in the extracellular composition cause the discs to be less capable of maintaining their load distribution function in the lower extremities. (Kim et al., 2020) However, many people who are experiencing leg and back pain can seek treatment to reduce the pain-like symptoms.
Chiropractic Care For Leg Instability- Video
Spinal Decompression Reducing Pain On The Legs & Back
When it comes to treating leg and back pain, many individuals will start to seek affordable treatment that can reduce pain-like symptoms. Many non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression are excellent for reducing pain that is affecting the back and legs. Spinal decompression uses a traction machine that can help stretch out the tight muscles from the lower back and provide negative pressure to the affected disc by increasing the blood nutrient flow back to the disc while reducing pressure off the aggravated nerve root. (Choi et al., 2022) Spinal decompression can be combined with core stabilizing exercises that can help reduce pain and disability and improve stability in the legs and lower extremities. (Hlaing et al., 2021) With spinal decompression to reduce back and leg pain, many individuals can notice positive results after consecutive treatment, and their mobility is improved. (Vanti et al., 2021) When individuals who are experiencing leg and back pain and are looking for treatment can find the benefits of spinal decompression to be incorporated into their daily routine since it can be customizable and help them be more mindful of what movements and environmental factors are causing them pain. Making these small changes over time can improve their health and help them live healthier lives.
References
Becker, B. A., & Childress, M. A. (2019). Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Return To Work. American Family Physician, 100(11), 697-703. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31790184
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Fortier, L. M., Markel, M., Thomas, B. G., Sherman, W. F., Thomas, B. H., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). An Update on Peroneal Nerve Entrapment and Neuropathy. Orthop Rev (Pavia), 13(2), 24937. doi.org/10.52965/001c.24937
Hlaing, S. S., Puntumetakul, R., Khine, E. E., & Boucaut, R. (2021). Effects of core stabilization exercise and strengthening exercise on proprioception, balance, muscle thickness and pain related outcomes in patients with subacute nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 22(1), 998. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04858-6
Kim, H. S., Wu, P. H., & Jang, I. T. (2020). Lumbar Degenerative Disease Part 1: Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Intervertebral Discogenic Pain and Radiofrequency Ablation of Basivertebral and Sinuvertebral Nerve Treatment for Chronic Discogenic Back Pain: A Prospective Case Series and Review of Literature. Int J Mol Sci, 21(4). doi.org/10.3390/ijms21041483
Vanti, C., Turone, L., Panizzolo, A., Guccione, A. A., Bertozzi, L., & Pillastrini, P. (2021). Vertical traction for lumbar radiculopathy: a systematic review. Arch Physiother, 11(1), 7. doi.org/10.1186/s40945-021-00102-5
How does spinal decompression help reduce somatosensory pain associated with individuals dealing with back and leg pain?
Introduction
As we all know, the human body is a complex system that works together to perform various actions without feeling pain or discomfort. With muscles, organs, tissues, ligaments, bones, and nerve roots, each component has its job and interacts with other body parts. For instance, the spine collaborates with the central nervous system to instruct the muscles and organs to function correctly. Meanwhile, the nerve roots and muscles work together to provide mobility, stability, and flexibility to the upper and lower body extremities. However, as time passes, the body ages naturally, and this can lead to unwanted issues. Normal and traumatic factors can interfere with the neuron signals from the brain and cause somatosensory pain in the upper and lower extremities. This pain-like sensation can affect each body section, making the individual miserable. Luckily, there are ways to reduce somatosensory pain and provide relief to the body. Today’s article explores how somatosensory pain can impact the lower extremities, particularly the legs and back, and how non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can alleviate somatosensory pain in the lower extremities. At the same time, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who use our patient’s information to treat and mitigate somatosensory pain affecting the legs and back. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help alleviate residual pain-like symptoms from the lower extremities. We encourage our patients to ask essential and important questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Does Somatosensory Pain Affect The Legs & Back?
Are you experiencing numbness or tingling in your legs or back that disappears after a few minutes? Do you feel questionable pain in your lumbar spine after work? Or do you feel a warm sensation in the back of your legs that turns into sharp shooting pain? These issues may be related to the somatosensory system within the central nervous system, which provides voluntary reflexes to muscle groups. When normal movements or traumatic forces cause problems to the somatosensory system over time, it can lead to pain that affects the body’s extremities. (Finnerup, Kuner, & Jensen, 2021) This pain may be accompanied by burning, pricking, or squeezing sensations that affect the lumbar region. Many factors can be associated with somatosensory pain, which is part of the central nervous system and works with the spinal cord. When the spinal cord becomes compressed or aggravated due to injury or normal factors, it can lead to low back and leg pain. For example, a herniated disc in the lumbosacral area can cause nerve roots to send pain signals to the brain and cause abnormalities in the back and legs. (Aminoff & Goodin, 1988)
When people are dealing with back and leg pain from somatosensory pain, it can cause them to be miserable by reducing their quality of life and leading to a life of disability. (Rosenberger et al., 2020) At the same time, individuals dealing with somatosensory pain will also begin to feel inflammatory effects from the affected muscle area in the legs and back. Since inflammation is a body’s natural response when dealing with pain, the inflammatory cytokines can cause a cascading effect from the brain through the spinal cord, causing leg and back pain. (Matsuda, Huh, & Ji, 2019) To that point, somatosensory pain is associated with inflammation caused by normal or traumatic factors that can cause overlapping risk factors contributing to leg and back pain. Luckily, numerous treatments can reduce these overlapping risk factors caused by somatosensory pain and help restore the lower body extremities’ function.
Move Better, Live Better- Video
When the body is dealing with somatosensory pain, it can cause many individuals to think they are only dealing with one source of pain from one muscle area. Still, it can lead to multifactorial issues that affect different body locations. This is known as referred pain, where one body section deals with pain but is in a different area. Referred pain can also be combined with somato-visceral/visceral-somatic pain, where the affected muscle or organ affects one or the other, causing more pain-like issues. However, numerous treatments can reduce somatosensory pain from causing more leg and back problems. Non-surgical therapies like chiropractic care and spinal decompression can help mitigate the effects of somatosensory pain affecting the lower body extremities causing leg and back pain. These treatments allow the pain specialist to incorporate various therapeutic techniques to stretch the affected muscles and realign the spine to its original position. Many individuals can see an improvement in their mobility and daily activities as the pain-like symptoms associated with somatosensory pain are reduced. (Gose, Naguszewski, & Naguszewski, 1998) When individuals dealing with somatosensory pain start thinking about their health and wellness to ease the pain they are experiencing, they can look into non-surgical treatments as they are cost-effective, safe, and provide a positive outcome. Additionally, non-surgical treatments can be personalized to the individual’s pain and begin to see improvement after a few treatment sessions. (Saal & Saal, 1989) Check out the video above to learn more about how non-surgical treatments can be combined with other therapies to improve a person’s well-being.
Spinal Decompression Reduces Somatosenosory Pain
Now spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that can help reduce somatosensory pain affecting the legs and back. Since somatosensory pain correlates with the spinal cord, it can affect the lumbosacral spine and lead to back and leg pain. With spinal decompression, it utilizes gentle traction to gently pull the spine, which then can reduce the symptoms associated with somatosensory pain. Spinal decompression can help improve the somatosensory system by reducing pain and alleviating aggravated nerve root compression to relieve the legs and back. (Daniel, 2007)
Additionally, spinal decompression can be combined with other non-surgical treatments, like chiropractic, as it can help with reducing the effects of nerve entrapment and help restore the joint’s ROM (range of motion). (Kirkaldy-Willis & Cassidy, 1985) Spinal decompression can create a positive experience for many individuals dealing with leg and back pain associated with somatosensory pain while getting back their health and wellness.
References
Aminoff, M. J., & Goodin, D. S. (1988). Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials in lumbosacral root compression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 51(5), 740-742. doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.51.5.740-a
Daniel, D. M. (2007). Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media? Chiropr Osteopat, 15, 7. doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-15-7
Finnerup, N. B., Kuner, R., & Jensen, T. S. (2021). Neuropathic Pain: From Mechanisms to Treatment. Physiol Rev, 101(1), 259-301. doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00045.2019
Gose, E. E., Naguszewski, W. K., & Naguszewski, R. K. (1998). Vertebral axial decompression therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome: an outcome study. Neurol Res, 20(3), 186-190. doi.org/10.1080/01616412.1998.11740504
Kirkaldy-Willis, W. H., & Cassidy, J. D. (1985). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of low-back pain. Can Fam Physician, 31, 535-540. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21274223
Matsuda, M., Huh, Y., & Ji, R. R. (2019). Roles of inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, and neuroinflammation in pain. J Anesth, 33(1), 131-139. doi.org/10.1007/s00540-018-2579-4
Rosenberger, D. C., Blechschmidt, V., Timmerman, H., Wolff, A., & Treede, R. D. (2020). Challenges of neuropathic pain: focus on diabetic neuropathy. J Neural Transm (Vienna), 127(4), 589-624. doi.org/10.1007/s00702-020-02145-7
Saal, J. A., & Saal, J. S. (1989). Nonoperative treatment of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc with radiculopathy. An outcome study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 14(4), 431-437. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-198904000-00018
The various muscles and tendons surrounding the foot play an important role as they provide stability to the lower parts of the body and allow the individual to move and flex their feet. These various muscles and tendons help support the ankles and allow leg movement. Many people will be on their feet constantly as the world moves and sometimes have to deal with various issues affecting their ability to walk. As the body naturally ages, many people will begin to shuffle their feet around, which causes strain on the foot muscles and can affect the calves and legs over time. To that point, it can lead to foot pain and other conditions that can affect the individual. Other issues that can affect the feet and its muscle could be incorrect footwear, how they are standing, or how they walk. When this happens, conditions like plantar fasciitis and trigger point pain can affect the feet differently. Today’s article focuses on the superficial intrinsic foot muscles, how trigger points and plantar fasciitis correlate with foot pain, and how to strengthen the foot muscles. We refer patients to certified providers incorporating techniques and therapies in the lower body extremities of trigger points affecting the feet. This helps many people with trigger point pain symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis along the intrinsic foot muscles. We encourage and appreciate each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is a terrific way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Superficial Intrinsic Foot Muscles
As stated earlier, the foot has various muscles and tendons that allow stability to the ankles and allow movement when a person is walking. The foot has two muscle groups: the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. Today we will look at the intrinsic foot muscles and how important these muscles are in the foot. Studies reveal that the intrinsic foot muscles are highly important as they are contained to the foot and contribute to supporting the medial longitudinal arch. The intrinsic foot muscles are superficial and help keep the toes straight while providing flexion and extension when in motion. The foot has about 29 muscles, including 10 surrounding the foot and ankle, while the other 19 are intrinsic and provide the roles for gait and posture. The 19 intrinsic muscles have the following:
Abductor Hallucis
Quadratus Plantae
Flexor Hallucis Brevis
Flexor Digitorum Brevis
Abductor Digiti Minimi
Flexor Digiti Minimi
The Interossei Muscles
The Lumbricals
These muscles allow individuals to walk, run, or jog without pain. However, when the intrinsic muscles become impaired, studies reveal that intrinsic foot muscle function could be linked to various foot conditions that affect a person’s walking ability.
How Does Foot Pain Correlate With Plantar Fasciitis & Trigger Points?
Studies reveal that foot pain can cause an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience as many factors can affect how a person is walking and can lead to various issues affecting the lower extremities’ mobility. When multiple issues affect how a person walks, the intrinsic muscle and other muscles surrounding the ankle and foot could become strained and overlap with other foot conditions. When foot pain affects the intrinsic foot muscles, co-existing muscle impairments could affect the alignment, motion, load distribution, and muscle performance that involves the legs. When these impairments are causing foot pain, it can correlate with trigger points and conditions like plantar fasciitis that can affect a person walking. But how does foot pain connect with plantar fasciitis and trigger points?
According to Dr. Travell, M.D.’s book “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction,” when tension starts to overload the foot, the intrinsic muscles develop tiny nodules in the muscle fibers and reduce the muscle strength of the medial arch. To that point, it can collapse and cause the foot to develop inflammation associated with repetitive actions that cause plantar fasciitis in the feet. When this happens, it can affect a person’s ability to walk, run, stand, and affect the lower extremities’ mobility. If it is not treated right away, it can cause muscle and joint pain in the hips, legs, knees, and lower back.
An Overview Of The Intrinsic Foot Muscles-Video
Have you been dealing with issues on your feet? Do you find it difficult to step down or walk? Or have you been rubbing your feet constantly to reduce the soreness in your feet? Many of these issues correlate with trigger points affecting the intrinsic foot muscles that could cause foot issues like plantar fasciitis. The foot has various muscles, like the intrinsic muscles, that allow gait and stability to the body. Multiple factors affecting the intrinsic foot muscles can lead to instability, muscle strain, tendon stress, and muscle and joint pain. This can affect how a person moves throughout the day and their quality of life. The video above explains where each different muscles are, which ones are extrinsic and intrinsic, and how each muscle helps with foot function. When various issues begin to affect the foot and cause mobility issues, multiple techniques are available to help strengthen the foot muscles and prevent future problems from affecting the feet.
Strengthening The Foot Muscles
Regarding trigger point pain affecting the intrinsic foot muscles, various techniques can reduce the pain-like symptoms of trigger points and prevent foot issues like plantar fasciitis from re-occurring. Studies reveal that light, non-weight-bearing exercises like cycling and swimming can minimize muscle overload on foot. Other ways to strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles are by stretching the toe flexors to help improve stability and prevent hypermobility in the foot. Other techniques that can reduce trigger points in the foot’s muscle fibers include using a cylindrical or spherical object and rolling under the arches to massage and loosen stiff muscles. Many of these techniques could help restore foot functionality and stability while reducing future issues like plantar fasciitis in the feet. To that point, allow people to walk pain-free again.
Conclusion
The foot has 29 muscles, including ten extrinsic muscles surrounding the foot and ankle and 29 intrinsic muscles on the foot. The intrinsic muscles are highly important for foot functionality as they are superficial and contribute to supporting the medial longitudinal arch. The intrinsic foot muscles also help keep the toes straight and allow flexion and extension when in motion. These muscles also help a person walk and stabilize the ankle. When various factors affect a person’s walking ability, it can lead to muscle strain and tendon stress to the foot, leading to the development of trigger points in the intrinsic muscle fibers and causing pain. This could cause foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and other co-existing muscle impairments that can affect the lower extremities’ mobility while causing muscle and joint pain in the hips, legs, knees, and lower back. Luckily there are available techniques that can help massage, stretch, and strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles while reducing trigger points and their associated symptoms from re-occurring. To that point, these techniques can allow many individuals to walk without feeling pain.
References
Card, Ryan K, and Bruno Bordoni. “Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Muscles.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 27 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539705/.
Gooding, Thomas M, et al. “Intrinsic Foot Muscle Activation during Specific Exercises: A T2 Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.” Journal of Athletic Training, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094843/.
Hawke, Fiona, and Joshua Burns. “Understanding the Nature and Mechanism of Foot Pain.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Jan. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2631512/.
Lim, Ang Tee, et al. “Management of Plantar Fasciitis in the Outpatient Setting.” Singapore Medical Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4853481/.
Soysa, Achini, et al. “Importance and Challenges of Measuring Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strength.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3544647/.
Travell, J. G., et al. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual: Vol. 2:the Lower Extremities. Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
Regarding different destinations, our feet allow the legs and the lower body to move forward and stabilize the upper extremities from putting so much weight on the body itself. The lower portion of the body contains the hips, pelvis, legs, and feet. Within each section of the lower body, various muscles surround the joints and skeletal features of the lower half. For the hips, multiple muscles and tendons help support hip mobility and pelvic function. The legs work with the thigh as numerous muscles and tendons help the legs have more power to move. The lower portion of the legs works with the knee to allow extension and flexion to move as well. And finally, the ankles and feet work with various muscles to enable movement to the toes. The different muscles in the toes help stabilize the foot from causing issues to the ankles. However, when multiple injuries or factors begin to affect the muscles in the toes, it can lead to myofascial pain syndrome or trigger points to affect not only the toes but the entire portion of the legs and travel up to the hips.
Today’s article looks at the flexor muscles of the toes, how calf pain is associated with trigger points affecting the toes, and how different treatments and stretches can alleviate trigger points along the toe flexor muscles. We refer patients to certified providers that incorporate various techniques and therapies in the lower body extremities pertaining to trigger points affecting the legs, calves, and feet. This helps many people with pain symptoms along the flexor toe muscles, causing pain when doing everyday actions like stepping or walking. We encourage and appreciate each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is a terrific way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Flexor Muscles Of The Toes
Have you been dealing with stability issues that are affecting the way you are standing? How about coping with unquestionable calf or foot pain? Do you feel aches in your big toe? Many of these issues affecting the feet are correlated with the flexor muscles in the toes. The flexor muscles are the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus. These muscles are located in the calf region of the lower leg and travel downwards to the ankle, forming the tendons for the feet and toes. Research studies reveal that the flexor digitorum longus muscle is a thin muscle located in the tibia’s deep posterior muscles and provides operational support to the four different sections of the toes and allows flexion. While other research studies reveal that the flexor hallucis longus muscle is a deep posterior muscle located in the fibula and provides flexion to the great toe while serving to plantarflex and inversion to the foot.
Now the flexor muscles work together to allow stability to the foot when a person is walking. Additional studies have shown that the flexor muscles are active as many people push off from the heel to allow movement to the toes and feet when stepping on the ground. This action enables the flexor muscles to contract and exerts much energy to allow the feet to move. However, when the body begins to age naturally, or various issues affect the lower body extremities, it can lead to multiple problems affecting a person’s mobility.
Calf Pain Associated With Trigger Points Affecting The Toes
As the body ages naturally, a person’s mobility will eventually begin to decline as they shuffle in their steps instead of picking up their feet to move. Studies reveal that when older adults start to age naturally, they tend to have a decreased foot posture that enables them to have a more pronated foot than a supinated foot. When this happens, it can reduce mobility in their legs while also causing stress to the flexor muscles and have a high occurrence in lower extremity injuries like patellofemoral pain or tendon dysfunction. Stress in the flexor muscles can lead to the potential development of trigger points along the flexor muscles, which can correlate to calf pain. Dr. Janet Travell, M.D.’s book, “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction,” mentioned that trigger points along the toe flexor muscles could potentially cause impaired mobility and strain to the foot. Since the flexor muscles are located in the calves, many individuals that incorporate running, jogging, or walking as part of their daily lives can be affected. To that point, if a person is walking on uneven ground, it can cause the foot to be hyper-pronated and lead to calf pain. At the same time, trigger points in the flexor muscles can cause symptoms of muscle spasms and cramps which can become overlapping risk profiles for ankle and foot pain.
Treating Trigger Points Along The Flexor Muscles- Video
Have you been dealing with unexplainable muscle spasms in your calves? Do you feel unstable when walking for a long time? Or do you notice you shuffle instead of picking up your feet? Many of these issues are correlated with trigger points affecting the flexor muscles of the toes that are causing pain to the calves and feet. When it comes to trigger points along the flexor muscles of the toes, studies show that it can develop a “trigger toe” where the flexor hallucis muscle that is providing flexion to the great toe, is in pain which leads to foot issues like plantar fasciitis or ankle pain. Fortunately, all is still possible as there are different stretches and treatments to reduce trigger points associated with the toe flexor muscles. The video above explains where the flexor muscles are located in the calve region of the leg and demonstrates how to stretch the flexor muscle to prevent trigger points from returning.
Different Stretches & Treatments For Toe Flexor Muscles
When relieving foot and calf pain associated with trigger points affecting the flexor muscles, there are different stretches and treatments to reduce pain-like symptoms associated with trigger points. Studies reveal that incorporating various muscle-strengthening exercises that target the calves could improve postural balance on the feet. Or find the right footwear to prevent trigger points from appearing in the future. Other stretches like toe grasping and flexing the foot allow many pain specialists to locate where the trigger points affect the flexor muscles and develop a treatment plan to reduce the effects of trigger points along the toe flexor muscles. Some of the treatments include chiropractic care. Now, doesn’t chiropractic care only incorporate spinal adjustments on the back? Yes, it does, but it can also alleviate other issues. As stated earlier, the feet provide stability to the lower body extremities. When problems affect a person’s balance can cause limited mobility to the hips, affect the legs and feet over time, and develop trigger points along the way. With chiropractic care, chiropractors can restore hip mobility through mechanical and manual manipulation of the spine and can help loosen the stiff joints and muscles that are causing pain. Chiropractors can pinpoint where the trigger points are located and find ways to reduce the pain in the affected muscle.
Conclusion
The flexor muscles of the toes, the flexor digitorum longus, and the flexor hallucis longus allow stability and flexion to the toes. The flexor muscles are located in the calve region and enable the individual to walk without complications. When issues or injuries start to affect the feet, they could develop into overlapping issues that affect the flexor muscles and causes symptoms of instability in a person’s balance. If not treated right away, it could develop trigger points in the calf region and cause pain to the flexor muscles. Trigger points in the flexor muscles can cause stress on the flexor muscles, which then leads to foot issues like patellofemoral pain or tendon dysfunction. To that point cause impaired mobility and muscle strain on the foot. Luckily there are treatments and various stretches to reduce trigger points from developing further and improve stability in the body. To that point, allow the individual to walk without any foot pain.
References
Fowles, J V, and N M Newman. “A Case of ‘Trigger Toe.’” Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 1984, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6744145/.
Goldmann, Jan-Peter, and Gert-Peter Brüggemann. “The Potential of Human Toe Flexor Muscles to Produce Force.” Journal of Anatomy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3406365/.
Kusagawa, Yuki, et al. “Toe Flexor Strength Is Associated with Mobility in Older Adults with Pronated and Supinated Feet but Not with Neutral Feet.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 11 Sept. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7488436/.
Murdock, Christopher J, et al. “Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Calf Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle …” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 Aug. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539776/.
Quinlan, Shayan, et al. “The Evidence for Improving Balance by Strengthening the Toe Flexor Muscles: A Systematic Review.” Gait & Posture, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32679464/.
Travell, J. G., et al. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual: Vol. 2:the Lower Extremities. Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
The feet allow movement to make the host do various actions when it comes to the body. Whether running, walking, or stretching, the feet allow stability with help from the legs and lower limbs of the lower body to support the upper body’s weight and allow mobility and functionality to the hips. The feet have various extensor muscles that start at the head where the tibia and in the front of the shin and spreads out to the front of the foot and allow movement to each of the toes. Injuries like ankle sprains, objects landing on the foot, or muscle cramps can cause the various muscles to become injured and soon develop tiny nodules that can cause referred pain to the lower portion of the legs and cause mobility issues. To that point, trigger point pain can affect how a person functions and cause many to deal with unquestionable foot pain. Today’s article looks at the extensor muscles of the toes, how trigger points can affect the foot and toes, and how chiropractic care can help treat trigger points along the extensor muscles of the toes. We refer patients to certified providers that incorporate various techniques in the lower body extremities, like lower legs, calves, and foot pain therapies correlating to trigger points. This helps aid many people with pain symptoms along the extensor toe muscles, causing pain when doing everyday actions like stepping or walking. We encourage and appreciate each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is a terrific way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Extensor Muscles Of The Toes
Have you been having issues walking for long periods? Do your feet constantly ache, so you have to take off your shoes to rub them? Or have you been having mobility issues that start at the hips and then travel down to the feet? Many of these issues are associated with pain that can affect the extensor muscles of the toes. The feet have various superficial muscles that allow movement to each toe. Today, we will look at the extensor muscles that enable movement to the toes and help with lower limb functionality. The extensor toe muscles include the extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus. Studies reveal that the extensor muscles are the anterior compartment of the lower limbs that can allow extension and dorsiflex of the foot at the ankle. The extensor hallucis provides movement to the big toe, independently moving it up and down. At the same time, the extensor digitorum forms into four tendons to the other toe joints.
These muscles work together to control the foot when descending and allow the heel to land first and then the toes after to prevent foot slaps or hard stepping. To that point, during this gait action, the extensor digitorum helps provide pure dorsiflex of the foot through balance on the tibial muscle. In contrast, the extensor hallucis allows the foot to adapt when the host is walking. Now, what happens when the extensor muscles suffer from injuries that cause mobility issues to the individual?
Trigger Points Affecting The Foot & Toes
When issues affect mobility and prevent many people from walking, it could be due to trigger points associated with the extensor muscles affecting the foot and toes. Trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome is where sensitive points or pressure in the muscles or muscle groups can cause referred pain in different body areas. This means that, for example, someone is dealing with pain in their elbows; however, they are complaining about shoulder pain. Studies reveal that when the legs’ lower limbs have trigger points in the feet musculature, it can lead to hypersensitivity in the extensor muscles and tendons. According to Dr. Janet G. Travell, M.D., she explained in her book, “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction,” when the extensor muscles of the toes are being affected by trigger points, it could potentially be associated with anterior compartment syndrome and ischemia along the lower limbs. To that point, trigger points could affect a person’s ability to walk and cause them to shift their weight around to compensate for the pain from affecting them. When this happens, it can lead to hip issues.
Trigger Points Of The Week: The Extensor Toe Muscles- Video
Have you been dealing with foot pain affecting your ability to walk? Does it hurt when you are stepping? Do you have mobility issues in your hips or legs associated with foot pain? Suppose you have been experiencing any of these issues in the lower extremities of your body. In that case, you could be dealing with trigger points associated with the toe extensor muscles correlating with foot pain. Studies reveal that trigger points associated with the extensor muscles can be characterized by pain and cause a limited range of joint motion. What that does is that trigger points in the extensor hallucis muscle can cause the lower portion of the legs to have intense sensitivity and hyper-irritability to the legs, which can affect how a person walks. The video above explains where the extensor muscles are located in the lower portions of the legs and where the trigger points cause referred pain to the foot and legs. When trigger points affect the extensor muscles, they can cause referred pain to the entire lower half of the body, including the hips. How would trigger points be associated with the hips when it affects the extensor muscles? Well, when the extensor muscles succumb to pain, it causes the individual to shift their weight and can cause the hips to become unstable, and that instability can affect not only the hips but the legs, knees, calves, and feet. Fortunately, treatments can reduce trigger point pain in the extensor muscles.
Chiropractic Care For Trigger Points
So when a person is dealing with mobility issues along the extensor muscles that are causing them pain, they don’t realize that their hips, legs, and knees are being affected. By going to chiropractic treatment, they can get the relief they are looking for and regain their ability to walk. A chiropractor will thoroughly examine and assess the individual dealing with trigger points along the extensor muscles. Chiropractors can pinpoint where the trigger points are located in the affected muscle and dramatically decrease pain through manipulation. Using mechanical and manual manipulation can help realign the spine out of subluxation, and chiropractors can provide a personalized treatment plan to the individual to incorporate to prevent trigger points from returning after a few treatments. Since chiropractic care is a whole-body approach, many patients can learn healthy habits, which include using a tennis ball under the feet, light stretching on the feet, and walking correctly with good posture can prevent future injuries from coming.
Conclusion
The feet allow movement to allow the host to walk from one location to another. The extensor muscles of the toes allow mobility and stability as they work together with the legs and hips to support the upper body’s weight and stability. When injuries like ankle sprains or heavy objects landing on foot affect the extensor muscles, it can lead to trigger points associated with foot pain that can affect the hips. When trigger points affect the extensor muscles, it can cause a person to be unable to walk properly and cause more issues in the hips. When this happens, treatments like chiropractic care can manually manipulate the spine and release trigger points from the extensor muscles. With chiropractic care, many individuals will be pain-free and can walk again.
References
Lezak, Bradley, and Spencer Summers. “Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 26 Sept. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539875/.
Tornero-Caballero, Maria, et al. “Muscle Trigger Points and Pressure Pain Sensitivity Maps of the Feet in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.” Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 June 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27257287/.
Travell, J. G., et al. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual: Vol. 2:the Lower Extremities. Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
Wada, Juliano T, et al. “An Anatomical Basis for the Myofascial Trigger Points of the Abductor Hallucis Muscle.” BioMed Research International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Jan. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6998759/.
The calves are extremely important to the lower portions of the legs as they allow the individual to move around and help stabilize the entire body. The calves have two muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus, which provide plantarflexion and stability at the ankle joint. These two muscles work together to ensure that the upper body’s weight doesn’t lean forward too much to let the individual fall. However, when many people overuse the calf muscles constantly, it can cause the muscle fibers in the lower legs to be overstretched and develop small nodules known as trigger points to cause referred pain to the calves and the ankles that can affect a person’s ability to walk, run, or jump. Today’s article looks at the soleus muscle, how trigger points affect the muscle, and different methods to reduce pain while managing trigger points along the calves. We refer patients to certified providers that incorporate various techniques in the lower body extremities, like lower leg and calve pain therapies correlating to trigger points, to aid many people dealing with pain symptoms along the soleus muscles, causing muscle cramps and issues along the ankles. We encourage and appreciate each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is an excellent way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is The Soleus Muscle?
Do you feel a cramping sensation in your calves? Do your feet hurt when you are walking, jumping, or running? Or are you experiencing tightness in your calve muscles? When a person is experiencing calf pain in their legs, it could be trigger points causing overlapping issues in the soleus muscles. As stated earlier, the calves have two muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius makes up the round shape of the calves and is a complex, superficial muscle. At the same time, the soleus is a large, flat muscle deep within the gastrocnemius and forms the calcaneal tendon (Achilles tendon), which can be mistaken as a nerve for the ankle. Studies reveal that the soleus muscle works together with the gastrocnemius, and these muscles constitute a plantar flexor. The soleus is part of a group of muscles known as antigravity muscles. It acts like a skeletal muscle and helps maintain good posture in the body to prevent the sheer body weight from falling forwards at the ankle when standing.
How Do Trigger Points Affect The Soleus Muscle?
The calves are essential for the movement and mobility functions of the body. When the calve muscles have been overused to repetitive movements or have been dealing with trauma, it can cause the muscle fibers to tear and develop trigger points along the calves causing referred pain to travel down the ankles. Trigger points along the soleus muscle are tricky to diagnose since they cause referred pain to the surrounding muscles. “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction,” written by Dr. Janet G. Travell, M.D., mention that, unlike the latent trigger points that can affect the gastrocnemius, active trigger points can affect the soleus muscle and cause tenderness referred to the heel. When muscle tenderness affects the heels, it can cause trigger points to mimic chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis. Additional studies reveal that musculoskeletal impairments like trigger points in the soleus muscle could potentially lead to biomechanical changes in the ankle. When trigger points cause hypersensitivity spots in the skeletal muscle taut band, it can restrict the soleus muscle to allow ankle dorsiflexion. Individuals with active soleus trigger points are prone to develop low back pain due to ankle dorsiflexion restriction, leading to them leaning over and lifting objects improperly.
Trigger Point Of The Week: Soleus – Video
Have you been dealing with pain traveling down from your calves to your ankles? Experiencing stiffness around your ankles? Or do you feel like you are about to fall? These pain-like issues are associated with trigger points along the soleus muscles along the calves. The soleus is one of the two muscles (the other is the gastrocnemius) that make up the calves and acts as a skeletal muscle to help maintain good posture in the body. When trigger points affect the soleus muscle, they can cause referred pain to the calves and mimic chronic issues like plantar fasciitis at the ankles. The video above explains where the soleus muscles are located, deep within the gastrocnemius, where the trigger points are causing referred pain to the ankles, and where they are in the soleus muscle fibers in the calves. Even though trigger points can cause referred pain in the affected muscle fibers of the body, they are treatable and can be managed through different methods to help the calves.
Different Methods To Reduce Pain And Manage Trigger Points In The Calves
Even though trigger points can affect the soleus muscles and cause referred pain to the ankles, different methods can reduce the pain and help manage trigger points in the calves. Studies reveal that when there are multitudes of therapies that can help manage trigger points, it can help reduce the pain affecting the soleus muscle by optimizing muscle function and preventing the development of chronic pain syndromes. Besides therapies that target trigger points, corrective actions and stretches can help release the pain from the soleus muscle. Incorporating calf stretches, having a correct posture when sitting down, wearing long loose socks while sleeping, and wearing low heels can prevent the soleus muscle from shortening and help manage trigger points from re-occurring in the calves. When people start to take care of their calve muscles, it can help their mobility and stability at the ankles.
Conclusion
As part of the calf muscles and an antigravity muscle, the soleus works with the gastrocnemius to help with stability and plantarflexion to the ankles. This muscle is deep within the gastrocnemius and helps maintain good posture in the body that prevents a person from falling forward at the ankles when standing. When the soleus muscles have been overused, they can develop tiny knots in the muscle fibers known as trigger points that can cause referred pain to the ankles. Trigger points along the soleus muscles can cause overlapping features in the calves by restricting ankle dorsiflexion, causing individuals to develop low back pain associated with leaning forward. However, various therapies can manage trigger points through multiple treatments that can reduce the pain and allow stability back to the calves, enabling the individual to continue walking without feeling pain.
References
Binstead, Justin T, et al. “Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Calf – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459362/.
Travell, J. G., et al. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual: Vol. 2:the Lower Extremities. Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
Valera-Calero, Juan Antonio, et al. “Prediction Model of Soleus Muscle Depth Based on Anthropometric Features: Potential Applications for Dry Needling.” Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 May 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7277950/.
Various muscles help support the lower legs in the body and allow movement to the host. The lower extremities include the hips, pelvis, thighs, legs, knees, and feet. At the same time, the various muscles help provide support and stability to the upper body’s weight and incorporate mobility and movement for the entire body to go from one location to another. The legs have two sections connected with the knees; the upper portion has the hips and thigh muscles, while the lower legs have the calve muscles, shin muscles, and the Achilles tendon. The calve muscles have two groups of muscles, and when the calve intense exercises, or normal factors have overused muscles may potentially lead to muscle cramps associated with trigger points. Today’s article examines one of the calve muscles known as the gastrocnemius, how the calves are affected by trigger points and corrective actions to prevent muscle cramps in the calves. We refer patients to certified providers that incorporate various techniques in the lower body extremities, like lower leg and calve pain therapies correlating to trigger points, to aid many people dealing with pain symptoms along the gastrocnemius muscles, causing muscle cramps. We encourage and appreciate each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is an excellent way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Are The Gastrocnemius Muscles?
Have you been dealing with walking from one place to another? Do your calves feel hard or tense with the slightest touch or movement? Or are you feeling excruciating pain in your calves that make it hard to move? These pain-like symptoms are indicators of trigger points associated with the calves affecting the gastrocnemius muscles. The calves are mostly referred to as the posterior portion of the lower legs responsible for the foot and ankle plantarflexion while also engaging in activities like running or jumping. The two muscles that make up the calves are the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius is a complex, superficial muscle fundamental to good posture or walking. This muscle has a casual relationship with the lower body as it affects hip movement and the lumbar area of the spine. The gastrocnemius provides a round shape for the calves to form and narrows down to the ankles, where it forms a tendon.
How Are The Calves Affected By Trigger Point Pain?
Since the gastrocnemius provides the round shape to form the calves when the muscles have become overused or injured in a sports activity, it can cause the individual to have limited mobility. Studies reveal that a tear in the gastrocnemius muscles can implicate lower leg trauma and affect the muscle function to plantar flex the foot at the ankle joint and reduce flexion on the leg to the leg knee joint. When it comes to the development of trigger points along the gastrocnemius muscles that are affecting the calves, according to “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction,” written by Dr. Janet Travell, M.D., the book states that latent trigger points along the gastrocnemius may cause individuals to complain about calf cramps on the legs, however, when the trigger points are active, the individual is aware of the calf pain and would complain about experiencing pain in the back of their knees. The book also mentioned that trigger points associated with the gastrocnemius muscle could be mistaken for other conditions like plantar foot pain or radiculopathy in the sacroiliac joints. When trigger points affect the calf muscles, it can lead to mobility issues and causes people to be unstable when walking.
Trigger Point Of The Week: Gastrocnemius Muscle- Video
Have you been dealing with calf pain when walking for a short distance? Do your calf muscles ache or tense up when you put slight pressure when stepping down? Or do you feel that your calf muscles are hard when resting? Many of these issues affecting the calves are associated with trigger points affecting the gastrocnemius muscles. The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the muscles that make up the calves in the lower legs. This complex, superficial muscle provides a round shape to the calves and can become overused in various activities that can cause a person to have limited mobility. When the gastrocnemius muscle is overused, it can develop tiny nodules in the muscle fibers known as trigger points that mimic other conditions affecting leg mobility. The video above shows where this complex muscle is in the calves and where the trigger points are located in the muscle fibers. Trigger points along the affected muscle can cause referred pain while mimicking other conditions that can often confuse people about what they are feeling. All is not lost, however, as trigger points are treatable and can be managed through various treatments.
Corrective Actions To Prevent Muscle Cramps On The Calves
When the calf muscles like the gastrocnemius are causing symptoms of pain and muscle cramps due to trigger points, there are various treatments and corrective actions that can prevent muscle cramps from causing more issues in the legs and even help manage trigger points from re-forming in the muscle fibers. Some corrective actions that can help improve calve function are gently flexing the foot at the ankle joint to allow the calf muscles to tract and retract to reduce swelling and pain. Other correction actions that people should incorporate to prevent muscle cramping in the calves when they are sitting is to gently rock in a chair to reduce prolonged immobility to the calves and increase blood flow. Studies reveal that dry needling and other various treatments can help reduce muscle stiffness in the gastrocnemius and improve muscle strength in the calves.
Conclusion
The calves are part of the legs that allow plantarflexion at the ankle joint. Known as the gastrocnemius muscle, it makes up the calves’ round shape. The gastrocnemius muscle is complex and superficial as it forms a rounded shape at the calves and narrows down at the ankles. However, when the muscle has been through various activities and is constantly overstretched, it can affect a person’s walking mobility and develop tiny nodules known as trigger points. Trigger points in the gastrocnemius muscle can cause referred pain in the calve muscles and mimic conditions like plantar foot pain to the feet. Fortunately, various treatments and corrective actions can prevent referred pain from re-occurring in the calves and bring mobility back to the legs so a person can continue to their destination.
References
Albin, S R, et al. “The Effect of Dry Needling on Gastrocnemius Muscle Stiffness and Strength in Participants with Latent Trigger Points.” Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology : Official Journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Oct. 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33075711/.
Binstead, Justin T, et al. “Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Calf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459362/.
Bordoni, Bruno, and Matthew Varacallo. “Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gastrocnemius Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 26 Apr. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532946/.
Nsitem, Virginia. “Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of Gastrocnemius Muscle Tear: A Case Report.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845475/.
Travell, J. G., et al. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual: Vol. 2:the Lower Extremities. Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
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