Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. This condition is often diagnosed by the characteristic pain experienced at the heel during the first few steps after getting out of bed. While the pain may initially be severe, it tends to decrease after a few steps.
What Are the Risk Factors?
While plantar fasciitis can sometimes develop without a clear cause, certain factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing this condition:
- Age: This common heel pain mostly affects individuals between 40 and 60 years old.
- Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can lead to plantar fasciitis. These issues affect how weight is distributed on your feet, putting extra stress on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on the plantar fascia, making overweight individuals more prone to this condition.
- Certain Occupations: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as factory work, nursing, and teaching, can damage the plantar fascia.
How We Can Help
Recent research suggests that plantar fasciitis may involve more dead tissue than inflamed tissue. This shift in understanding has led to changes in treatment methods. At our clinic, we focus on soft tissue techniques for the muscles, tendons, and fascia, providing patients with relief of symptoms.
We also perform pelvic adjustments to address any imbalances that might cause patients to put more weight on one side, leading to further foot and ankle fatigue and potential injury.
Assessing patients’ gait and footwear is also something we do, as tight shoes and high impact activities can exacerbate the condition. Switching to open-toed, wide toebox shoes or loosening shoelaces can significantly improve symptoms.
At-Home Care and Exercises
In addition to in-office treatments, we recommend using a lacrosse or golf ball for soft tissue release at home. Rolling the ball under the foot can help alleviate discomfort anytime it arises and icing.
Long-Term Management
Managing plantar fasciitis requires a multifaceted approach. By combining in-office treatments with at-home exercises and footwear adjustments, patients often experience gradual improvement. Over time, consistent management leads to significant relief and better overall foot health.
Book an Appointment
Put plantar fasciitis pain in your past. Contact Midtown Clinic of Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment.
