Lower Extremity Complaints


As a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP), Dr. Kirk L. Wehrspan is trained to provide precise, gentle adjustments to the foot, knee, and hip. While chiropractic care is commonly associated with the spine, the same principles apply to the lower extremities often with significant results. By correcting misalignment in these joints, Dr. Wehrspan helps relieve pain, restore function, and address the root cause of lower extremity conditions.

Foot

FOOT

Planter Fasciitis - Heel Pain and Spurs - Achilles Tendonitis - Ankle Sprains - Ankle Pain - Arch Pain –Metatarsalgia - Ball of Foot Pain – Bunions - Tailor's Bunions – Hammertoe - Morton's Neuroma - Flat Feet - Over Pronation - High Arches – Supination - Sever's Disease - Shin Splints

Millions of people suffer every day with debilitating foot pain, and many accept it as a normal part of life. Foot pain sufferers often feel that this is simply “how their feet are” and believe they must learn to live with the discomfort.

You may find yourself asking what is truly needed to resolve a foot complaint. Is it surgery, injections, or medication? In many cases, the answer to all of these is no. Surgery, injections, and medications typically do not correct the underlying problem. Surgery in particular carries numerous risks that must be carefully considered.

So what is the solution to addressing the true cause of foot pain? Most foot pain is related to abnormal alignment of the 26 bones of the foot. Effective treatment focuses on identifying and correcting these structural misalignments. One of the most effective ways to improve foot alignment is through specific joint manipulation procedures performed by a trained professional.

Dr. Kirk L. Wehrspan specializes in the safe, non-surgical treatment of common foot conditions. To learn more, please visit our dedicated foot treatment page at SoreFeetRelief.com.

Knee

KNEE

Arthritis – Chondromalcia Patella – Popping in the knee – Tendonitis – Sprain/Strains – Bursitis – ITB Syndrome

The knee is a strong but complex joint that is vulnerable to injury. Because it relies heavily on surrounding muscles and ligaments, knee pain must be evaluated in the context of the entire lower body. The low back, pelvis, hip, ankle, and foot all influence knee function and can contribute to pain.

Our approach assesses the knee along with related joints and muscles. Pain may be referred from other areas, and dysfunction elsewhere in the lower extremity can increase stress on the knee over time. Treating these contributing factors is often essential for long-term improvement.

Common knee conditions include arthritis, chondromalacia patella, iliotibial band syndrome, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and tendon injuries, many of which are linked to overuse, repetitive stress, excess weight, or underlying biomechanical issues.

Chiropractic care should be considered when knee pain limits daily or athletic activities, when medications or rest have not provided lasting relief, or when arthritis has been diagnosed without effective treatment options. Specific chiropractic techniques can improve joint motion, reduce pain, and restore function. When appropriate, Dr. Wehrspan may also recommend exercises to improve strength, stability, and prevent future injury.

hips

HIP

Bursitis – Osteoarthritis – Tendonitis – Piriformis Syndrome – Hip Flexor Injury

The hips are central to movement and weight bearing, so pain in this area can be significantly limiting. Hip pain is commonly caused by arthritis or injury but may also originate from surrounding tissues or be referred from the low back or pelvis. Dr. Wehrspan can identify the true source and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Pain may arise from inflammation within the hip joint, bursitis from overuse or minor trauma, or gradual wear of cartilage seen with osteoarthritis. What feels like hip pain may also stem from sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sciatica, where irritation of the sciatic nerve causes pain in the low back, buttock, hip, and leg.

Chiropractic care can be effective for many of these conditions, including sciatica, sacroiliac dysfunction, Piriformis syndrome, and some cases of hip osteoarthritis. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Wehrspan may recommend chiropractic adjustments, targeted exercises, and other conservative therapies to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients avoid surgery or long-term medication.

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Our Location

924 4th St - West Des Moines

Office Hours

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Monday:

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

2:00 PM-5:30 PM

Tuesday:

2:00 PM-5:30 PM

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

2:00 PM-5:30 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

2:00 PM-5:30 PM

Friday:

9:00 AM-2:30 PM