At Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic, we understand that your feet and ankles are the foundation of your body. They play a vital role in balance, shock absorption, posture, and overall movement. When they aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to pain and dysfunction—not just in the feet and ankles, but throughout the body, including the knees, hips, back, and neck.

We take a comprehensive, full-body approach to uncover the root causes of foot and ankle pain, restore mobility, and help you move without discomfort.

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Understanding the Foot and Ankle Joints

The foot and ankle are complex structures with 26 bones and over 30 joints working together to support weight and allow smooth movement. Key joints include:

  • Ankle Joint (Talocrural Joint): Hinge joint connecting the tibia and fibula to the talus; allows toes-up (dorsiflexion) and toes-down (plantarflexion) motion.
  • Subtalar Joint: Located beneath the ankle, controls inward (inversion) and outward (eversion) foot movement.
  • Foot Joints: Includes tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges; supports the arch, absorbs shock, and provides balance.

The Foot and Ankle in Walking and Running

A healthy gait relies on proper foot and ankle function during each phase of walking:

  1. Heel Strike: Heel contacts the ground; ankle slightly dorsiflexed.
  2. Loading Phase: Foot pronates slightly to absorb impact.
  3. Midstance: Full weight-bearing; arch support is critical.
  4. Toe-Off: Ankle plantarflexes to push the body forward.

During running, forces through the foot and ankle can be 2–4 times your body weight, making stability and alignment even more important.

How Foot Problems Affect the Entire Body

Your body works as a kinetic chain—when one part moves improperly, others must compensate. Overpronation (excessive flattening of the foot arch) can trigger a chain reaction:

  • Foot: Plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendinitis often stem from overpronation.
  • Knees: Inward rotation of the tibia can stress ligaments and cartilage, leading to runner’s knee or arthritis.
  • Hips/Pelvis: Misalignments create hip pain, bursitis, and muscular imbalances.
  • Spine: Altered gait and posture place strain on the lumbar spine, leading to disc issues and sacroiliac dysfunction.
  • Neck: Misalignments travel upward, causing forward head posture, neck pain, and TMJ issues.

How Posture & Pelvic Misalignments Impact Foot Function

Prolonged sitting or poor posture can lead to pelvic tilts, uneven leg lengths, and altered gait patterns. These compensations overload the foot, contributing to conditions like overpronation, stress fractures, and chronic heel pain.

Common Foot and Ankle Conditions We Treat

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
  • Heel Spurs
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Hammertoes
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Foot and Ankle Tendinitis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Stress Fractures
  • Sever’s Disease (in children)

The Role of Overpronation and Custom Orthotics

Overpronation is one of the most common causes of foot and ankle dysfunction. Left untreated, it can lead to progressive, painful conditions. Custom orthotics are one of the most effective ways to support proper foot mechanics.

Custom Orthotics Help:

  • Support all three arches of the foot (medial, lateral, and transverse)
  • Normalize gait and correct overpronation
  • Improve shock absorption
  • Distribute weight evenly
  • Enhance stability, balance, and overall alignment

Note: Orthotics support the foot to reduce strain—they don’t “cure” conditions on their own. A full treatment plan is often needed to correct underlying issues.

Our Full-Body Chiropractic Approach to Foot and Ankle Pain

We focus on identifying root causes and creating a personalized treatment plan for long-term relief. Depending on your condition, treatments may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments
  • Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy
  • Class IV Laser Therapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • Custom Orthotics
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound
  • Nutritional Support

Get Relief from Foot and Ankle Pain

Don’t let foot or ankle pain hold you back. Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic is here to help restore function, reduce pain, and improve mobility so you can move confidently.

Call (904) 285-2243 today to schedule your consultation.