Conditions we treat
Ankle & Extremity Pain Relief in Bellingham
Chiropractic care isn’t just for your spine. We also help with ankles, feet, knees, hips, wrists, and elbows.
Care for every joint, not just your back
Your arms and legs have joints that can get stiff, strained, and sore, just like your spine. A rolled ankle that never quite healed, a sore knee from running, or a wrist that aches after a day at the keyboard can all change the way you move, and that can lead to problems further up the chain in your hips and back.
We look at how the painful joint is moving and how the rest of your body is moving around it. Then we use gentle adjustments, soft-tissue work, and cold laser therapy to help you heal and get back to what you love.
Common causes
- Ankle sprains and old injuries that didn’t fully heal
- Overuse from running, hiking, and sports
- Repetitive strain from typing, tools, or lifting
- Flat feet or changes in how you walk
- Joint stiffness and age-related wear
- Compensation for problems in the back or hips
Signs you may notice
- Ankle, foot, or heel pain
- Knee pain when climbing stairs, squatting, or running
- Wrist or hand pain, tingling, or weakness
- Elbow pain, like tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Stiffness, swelling, or a feeling that a joint is “stuck”
Our approach
How we help with extremity pain
Every plan starts with a thorough exam and a free 15-minute consultation, so you know exactly what’s going on before we begin.
1
A full movement check
We test the painful joint and look at how your feet, knees, hips, and spine move together, using orthopedic, neurological, and muscle testing.
2
Gentle extremity adjustments
Precise, gentle adjustments help restore normal motion in the ankle, foot, knee, wrist, or elbow, along with soft-tissue and muscle-release techniques.
3
Healing and prevention
Cold laser therapy can support tissue healing, and we will give you strengthening and balance exercises to help keep the injury from coming back.
What the research says
Research reviews show that manual therapy, as part of a broader care plan with exercise, may help some extremity conditions, such as ankle sprains, heel pain, knee osteoarthritis, and tennis elbow. The evidence is still growing and results vary by condition, so we tailor your care to your exam and adjust the plan based on how you respond.
Cold laser therapy (also called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation) is a gentle, painless treatment we often use alongside adjustments to support healing.
Source: OPTIMa Collaboration systematic review of manual therapy for upper and lower extremity disorders, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (2015).
When to see a doctor right away
Most cases are not an emergency. Seek urgent medical care if your symptoms come with any of the following:
- You can’t put weight on the joint after an injury, or it looks deformed
- Severe swelling or bruising, or a “pop” at the time of injury
- A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with a fever
- Calf pain and swelling, especially after travel or surgery (this can be a blood clot)
- Numbness or weakness that is getting worse
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor adjust ankles and knees?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and adjust joints throughout the body, not just the spine. Extremity adjustments are usually very gentle.
Should I come in for an ankle sprain?
For a mild to moderate sprain, conservative care can help restore motion and support healing. If you can’t bear weight or the swelling is severe, get an X-ray first to rule out a fracture.
Can you help with carpal tunnel or wrist pain?
Wrist and hand symptoms can come from the wrist itself, the elbow, or the neck. We check all three, and if your symptoms suggest significant nerve compression, we will coordinate with your medical provider.
Ready to get back on your feet?
New patients: start with a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Tran or Dr. Hsu. Call (360) 922-0626 or book online.