Plantar Fasciitis – Chiropractors Can Relieve Your Pain

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament-like structure in the bottom of the foot that connects to the heel. If you’ve ever had pain in your feet, you already know how difficult even the simplest of tasks and activities can become when you are hurting.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. It supports your arch and helps you walk. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed and swollen, usually because it has been overused or injured. Plantar Fasciitis can sometimes result in bone spurs (heel spurs), protruding calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone, due to the stress and inflammation in the area and vice versa.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful condition. It can be caused by too much running or standing on hard surfaces, tight calf muscles, obesity, poorly fitted footwear, wearing high heels, or even flat feet. It is especially common in runners and those whose jobs require them to be on their feet due to the high impact level and stress of the activity.

The pain of this condition typically worsens with time and often flares up after prolonged periods of standing, walking, or exercise. It also may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling, tingling, numbness, or stiffness in your foot or lower leg muscles.
If plantar fasciitis is left untreated it can become a chronic condition and painful enough to prevent even normal, everyday activities.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

When the plantar fascia is inflamed the most common symptoms are:

– Pain in the heel or arch when you first get out of bed in the morning.

– Pain when you take your first steps after being seated for long periods.

– Swelling or stiffness on the bottom of your foot.

– Tenderness and pain at night.

– A feeling that something is caught under your heel.

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

There are no specific diagnostic tests for Plantar Fasciitis. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination. It has become one of the most common ailments amongst young athletes along with Sever’s disease (Heel pain and inflammation) There are several ways to treat plantar fasciitis, the most effective is a combination of chiropractic care to restore proper biomechanics, soft tissue therapy, cold laser therapy (Dr. Will’s favorite), and stretching exercises that work on strengthening the muscles in your foot and lower leg as well as reducing inflammation.

Your chiropractor may also recommend a few at-home steps you can take between your visits to the office:

1. Rest: This may be the most important thing you can do to help your plantar fasciitis heal. If you have an injury or inflammation, it’s important to give it time to heal before you resume any activity.

2. Ice: Ice is another great way to reduce inflammation and pain in your feet when you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis. You can use ice packs wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes at a time, several times per day.

3. Night Splints: Night splints are often prescribed as they help stretch out the plantar fascia while you sleep and are off your feet.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: A healthy weight prevents added stress on bones and joints and will help relieve your pain.

5. Choose Proper Footwear: Properly fitted shoes with sufficient arch support and cushioning help relieve the condition and reduce pain.

6. Massage: Foot massage will help to loosen up the foot muscles and provide relief from pain.

Treatments for plantar fasciitis vary depending on the severity of symptoms, patient age and occupation, activity level, and other factors. Your chiropractor will consider these factors when developing your specific treatment plan.

Most cases of Plantar Fasciitis resolve with treatment and don’t recur. Patients with a chronic condition or bone spurs have a higher rate of recurrence and can benefit from continued preventive care.

Chiropractic care for Plantar Fasciitis is very effective at relieving the pain caused by the condition, promoting healing, and reducing the risk of further injury plus is safe to use in conjunction with other therapies and treatments.

If you are experiencing pain from Plantar Fasciitis, call our office at (845) 592-2237 to schedule an appointment and we’ll help you get back on your feet.