Plantar Fascitis

Plantar fasciitis is a disorder of the connective tissue which supports the arch of the foot. It results in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot that is usually most severe with the first steps of the day or following a period of rest. Pain is also frequently brought on by bending the foot and toes up towards the shin. The pain typically comes on gradually, and it affects both feet in about one-third of cases.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCITIS:

• Plantar fasciitis is thought to develop as the result of repeated small tears in the plantar fascia that occur when your foot strikes the ground.
• Overuse or a sudden rapid increase in physical activity. Plantar fasciitis is especially common in long-distance runners. Other types of sudden exertion, such as lifting heavy weights, can trigger the pain.
• Faulty biomechanics. Overpronation (flat-footedness), a high arch or an altered gait can affect the way weight is distributed when you're on your feet, thereby stressing the plantar fascia.
• Being overweight, especially if weight gain takes place rapidly.
• Poorly designed shoes. Shoes that are thin-soled, too loose, too stiff, or that lack arch support and impact absorption don't protect the feet well. If you regularly wear shoes with high heels, the Achilles tendon can contract and shorten, causing strain on the plantar fascia.
• Arthritis. Some types of arthritis can cause inflammation in the tendons in the bottom of the foot, which can lead to plantar fasciitis.

Chiropractic treatment focuses on utilizing spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), or more commonly known as the chiropractic adjustment, to reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. Our doctors may also utilize physical therapy, therapeutic modalities, taping and strapping, nutrition, joint supports, exercises and home therapy regimens to quicken recovery. Treatment is safe, non-invasive, and a non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage symptoms caused by plantar fasciitis.

To see if chiropractic care is right for your condition, the highly trained doctors at Chiropractic Orthopedic Associates will perform a consultation, examination and if necessary, refer you out for diagnostic imaging such as x-ray or MRI. Based on the findings of our chiropractic exam and consultation, your doctor of chiropractic may elect to co-treat your low back pain with other healthcare professionals. We work with a network of healthcare providers that specialize in pain management, orthopedics, neurology, internal medicine, physiatry, neurosurgery and more.