If you're dealing with difficult foot pain, you may be experiencing a condition called plantar fasciitis. Though this condition is very common, most people suffering are not aware that treatment in a chiropractic office setting can be extremely helpful in reducing or relieving symptoms.
The pain associated with this condition can have a big impact on the lives of those suffering. Here are some of the facts…
The Causes
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when a band of tissue that lies between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the toes becomes inflamed. A number of factors can cause this tissue to be placed under an unusual amount of tension or pressure including being overweight or obese; having flat feet; improper shoe support; lack of proper motion in the joints and bones of the foot or ankle; overuse injury or the cumulative trauma cycle that is frequently seen in running and jumping athletes; or just simply from repetitive, low force, micro-trauma over time. For many people, the condition worsens or becomes more frequent and bothersome with age.
The foot is a very complicated area of the body, with 26 bones in each foot! Ligaments and tendons connect to these bones forming a very intricate network. There must be balance and proper relative motion between all these structures. If not, problems can arise which can lead to pain and dysfunction.
Fun fact: Plantar fasciitis was once referred to as “policeman's heel.” This is likely because plantar fasciitis frequently affects people who are on their feet a lot (and usually those who have improper support or bio mechanics at the foot and ankle).
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll probably experience a stabbing pain near the heel of the foot, on the bottom. Some people will also feel pain between the heel and the toes, and/ or at the back of the heal. Frequently this pain will be triggered by activity (running, walking, jumping), by long periods of standing (especially on hard floors), or first thing in the morning when getting out of bed.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis often occurs following a thorough history taking, gait analysis (watching the way you walk), and after a few tests and palpation by your doctor. There are several treatments that can be incredibly beneficial for plantar fasciitis once the condition has been diagnosed, without the use of drugs or surgery.
At our office, treatment for this condition usually consists of a combination of joint mobilization in the foot and ankle, Active Release Technique and myofascial release, trigger point dry needling, and corrective exercise/ stretching. These treatments have been shown to be more effective than traditional treatment options like injections or surgery, and that is likely due to our treatment methods getting to the source of the problem. By getting to the true source, symptoms are reduced quicker and recurrence of the problem is significantly decreased.
Although not always necessary, we are also happy to offer custom foot orthotics that serve to support all three arches of the foot. By properly supporting the foot, the orthotics can help to speed up the healing process, but also prevent re-exacerbation or repeat episodes of this condition from occurring as often or at all.
In addition, if you are suffering from foot pain, it is likely that you are changing the way you walk or run. This puts your body at risk for other injuries and issues to follow. That said, it is advised that you address your symptoms as soon as possible.
At Pure Motion Chiropractic and Rehab, Dr. Dustin Moses has excessive experience diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis and he takes pride in getting results and helping to decrease pain as soon as possible.
Though plantar fasciitis is very common, there can be other causes of foot pain. These can include achilles tendonitis, bursitis, fat pad syndrome, Baxter neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, pes planus/ pes cavus, mechanical dysfunction, and other causes.
Regardless of the cause of your foot pain, it is highly likely that we can help you at Pure Motion Chiropractic & Rehab. If you are suffering from foot pain, contact our office today!