Foot, heel & knee pain
Sore heels in the morning, aching arches or knees that complain on the stairs? Dr. Ling treats the cause, and fits custom orthotics and braces in clinic when they'll help.
Does this sound like you?
- Sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning
- Aching arches, or flat feet that tire quickly
- Knee pain on stairs, running, squatting or kneeling
- An ankle sprain that never fully settled
- Feet, knees or back that hurt by the end of a long shift standing
What's usually causing it
Common causes are plantar fasciitis, pain around the kneecap, arthritis, and old ligament sprains. Often the way your feet move, such as flat feet or very high arches, adds strain all the way up to the knees, hips and low back.
See a doctor or go to emergency if you can't put weight on the leg after an injury, a joint suddenly swells or locks, a joint is hot, red and swollen, or your calf is painful and swollen.
How Dr. Ling treats it
- Assessment (30 minutes). Your history, a look at your feet, gait and knees, a clear explanation, and your first treatment.
- Hands-on treatment. Soft tissue therapy (MRT and ART) on the foot, calf and thigh, adjustments of the foot and ankle, and taping when it helps.
- Rehab. Strengthening for the feet, calves, knees and hips, plus self-release with a ball you can do at home.
- Support if you need it. Custom orthotics (adult and youth 6–16) and Bauerfeind knee braces, assessed and fitted in clinic. Dr. Ling is an authorized Bauerfeind vendor.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what's causing your pain and how long you've had it. After your assessment, Dr. Ling gives you a plan with an expected number of visits, then re-checks your progress along the way. Follow-up visits are 15 minutes, so they fit around work.
Cost and coverage
- Extended health: most plans cover chiropractic and are billed directly. Insurance & billing
- Car accident? ICBC covers your care at $0 to you. ICBC care
- Hurt at work? WorkSafeBC is billed directly at Marpole and Hartwell (Ontario St). WorkSafeBC care
- Orthotics and braces: many extended health plans cover them, often with a yearly limit. Many plans reset in January.
- Fees vary by clinic and are shown when you book online.
Common questions
Do I need orthotics?
Not always. Many people improve with treatment, exercise and better shoes. Orthotics help most when foot shape or long hours on your feet are part of the problem, or the pain keeps coming back.
Are custom orthotics covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans cover them, often with a yearly limit, and some need a prescription. Check your coverage in your insurer's app or plan booklet.
Can a chiropractor help knee pain?
Often, yes. Knee pain is commonly linked to how the foot, hip and thigh muscles work. Dr. Ling treats those areas and fits a brace if it will help.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can book directly with Dr. Ling.
Book an assessment
Choose the clinic closest to you. Online booking shows Dr. Ling's live availability.
Marpole Chiropractic
8289 Granville St (at 66th Ave), Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z6
Free street parking nearby.
Hartwell Therapy, Ontario St
8205 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC
Book with Dr. Ling through Hartwell's online booking.
Ironwood Chiropractic
165-11720 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC
Ironwood books its own appointments. Visit their site or call the clinic.
Dr. Ling's hours change week to week at each clinic. Online booking always shows his real availability. Can't find a time? Call and we'll try to fit you in, or join the wait list when you book.