If you’ve ever suffered from plantar fasciitis, you know how painful it can be. Shooting pain in your foot can turn a long distance runner into someone who hobbles when they walk.
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating foot condition. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue in your feet that connects the heel to the toes. This protects your arch on the bottom of your foot. You put tension on your plantar fascia whenever you stand or walk, and normally your body can handle it.
But overuse or a lack of support can lead to microtears in the tissue and cause severe pain. This painful condition can seriously affect your quality of life, making everyday tasks difficult and leisure activities less enjoyable.
But with chiropractic treatment, you can take the first steps toward pain relief and reclaiming your comfort.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by the 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. When the plantar fascia is overly stressed or strained, it can become inflamed, causing a sharp, stabbing pain, typically experienced in the heel.
Often, this discomfort is most noticeable during the first few steps after waking up in the morning or after long periods of standing or sitting.
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis you may have stabbing pain in the heel that feels the worst when you get out of bed. You may also experience pain and stiffness in your arch and Achilles tendon. If you start limping to compensate, this can cause pain and tightness in your hips or quads.
Plantar fasciitis can really affect your quality of life as you cut back on normal activities that just hurt too much. It can also interfere with your sleep.
Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition for warehouse workers who spend hours on their feet on hard floors. Runners are also susceptible to plantar fasciitis, especially if you increase your mileage too quickly, though many runners experience it without changing their routine.
Being overweight will tax your feet, and age plays a role as well, as plantar fasciitis is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
Shoes with unsupportive soles, like old tennis shoes, or even some dress shoes, can cause plantar fasciitis, too. People with high arches or flat feet can also develop plantar fasciitis.
Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis
If you suspect plantar fasciitis it’s important to start treatments quickly. It is good to stay off your feet when you can, but this isn’t a viable long-term strategy for most people. Resting will shorten the plantar fascia, so when you use your foot again it stretches again and hurts worse.
If you have an ongoing issue based on your type of work, it might be worth seeing a medical professional to get a note for your employer so you can modify your office or limit the time you spend on your feet.
Stretching and Massage
A physical therapist can help you learn stretches and therapeutic exercises to support your plantar fasciitis and strengthen surrounding muscles. Many people find relief by rolling a frozen water bottle under their foot. You can also roll your foot on a tennis ball, lacrosse ball, or even a golf ball, though tread lightly to avoid bruising.
Utilizing massage therapy to massage your plantar fascia, calf, and lower leg is also key to reduce tension.
Splinting and Taping
Some people benefit from a night splint, which keeps the foot in a gentle stretch. Make sure you try different ones until you can find a comfortable match that won’t keep you awake or overheated. You can also try heel cups or insoles, as well as socks that keep your arch compressed.
You can also buy kinesiology tape, which you can affix to your arch and heel for extra support at night or throughout the day.
We’re Here To Help
Chiropractic treatment can provide a multifaceted approach to treating plantar fasciitis, which can lead to significant relief and prevention of further issues.
Problems in the foot are often related to issues elsewhere in the body, and a misaligned spine or pelvis can contribute to the improper foot mechanics that lead to plantar fasciitis. Your chiropractor can perform adjustments to realign your spine or other joints, which can help restore proper biomechanics and alleviate the strain on your plantar fascia.
Your chiropractor might also utilize therapeutic modalities such as electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and promote healing. They can also provide advice on stretches and exercises to help strengthen the foot muscles, improve flexibility, and support the health of your plantar fascia.
Moreover, chiropractors often advise on lifestyle modifications, such as custom orthotics, weight loss strategies, and modifications in exercise routines, which can help address the root causes of plantar fasciitis and prevent its recurrence.
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to rule your life. By understanding its causes and seeking chiropractic treatment, you can alleviate your pain and get back to living a comfortable, active life.
Chiropractors are equipped with the knowledge and techniques to help you navigate the road to recovery, making them an invaluable partner in your journey towards foot health.
Call 417 Spine to schedule an appointment and start conquering your pain.
