Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This condition is a common cause of heel pain, especially when walking or standing.
Symptoms of Heel Pain
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel, usually near the bottom and front of the heel bone. The pain is often most severe with the first steps of the day or after a period of inactivity. Pain can also be experienced in the Achilles tendon.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not always clear, but it is often associated with repetitive strain on the plantar fascia.
Factor that can cause increased symptoms
Factors that may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis include excessive standing, walking, running, high-impact activities, pes planus or flat feet, pes cavus or high arches, and obesity.
The 2 Main Causes of Plantar Fascitis
- Toe Weakness due to inadequate strength in the toe intrinsic muscles (tiny muscles between the toes), excess strain on the plantar fascia will be required to propel forward. Often due to the excess use of footwear.
- Calf Tightness caused by excess tension in the calf musculature, more stress will be placed on the plantar fascia to stretch and become irritated.
The Foot Advantage: https://thefootadvantage.com/tight-calf-muscles/
Diagnosis
Visit with your local Chiropractor; we don’t just treat the spine!
Not many people know that Chiropractors are fully qualified to diagnose & treat plantar fasciitis. During your visit, the Chiropractor will assess the severity and decipher which treatment will be most effective for you. These options can be found below.
Treatment
Our best outcomes come from one or a combination of the treatment options listed below:
- Shockwave Therapy
- Active (Myofascial) Release Technique
- At-Home Exercises
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Modality (IASTM)
- Dry Needling or Acupuncture
- Kinesiotape
- Laser Therapy
- Orthotics
If the tissues surrounding the plantar fascia are not treated and activated, the fascia will continue to bear the load and stretch, leading to further irritation. Your Chiropractor will utilize the above therapies to help improve toe strength and treat the tight calf musculature to stop the irritation on the plantar fascia. Consult your local Chiropractor for more information.
References:
https://www.humanlocomotion.com/the-latest-stretches-and-exercises-to-make-sure-your-plantar-fascial-injury-never-returns/
https://www.reddycare.net/blog/how-can-physical-therapy-help-with-plantar-fasciitis