What is Plantar Fasciitis?

 

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is seen commonly and can be debilitating for some people. The structure involved is called the Plantar Fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone (called the calcaneus) to the bottom of the toes. The main function of this thick band is to provide support for the arch of the foot, provide shock absorption, and maintain the biomechanics of the feet, all while walking. 

 

Plantar fasciitis is described as irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia. Typically, people feel pain, stiffness, or discomfort at the heel. The pain can be sharp especially in the mornings with the first few steps you take. Once you have walked around a bit and the fascia has gotten warmed up, the pain can decrease. However, with increased activity on your feet, the pain can increase again. Walking bare feet or wearing footwear with minimal support can also increase the heel pain. 

 

What are the causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

 

There are many reasons why an individual can develop plantar fasciitis. This can include:

 

• Repetitive strain on the feet – activities such as walking, running, or standing for long periods of time can irritate and strain the plantar fascia, leading to plantar fasciitis.

 

• Hard surfaces – if the surface you are walking/running/standing on for long periods of time is hard, this can increase the strain on the plantar fascia.

 

• Improper footwear – wearing footwear with minimal support and cushioning can lead to strain on the plantar fascia. Examples of improper footwear can include: flip flops, flats, heels, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces. 

 

• Foot mechanics – individuals who have flat feet, high arches, or walking patterns which are abnormal, can lead to increased stress on the plantar fascia. 

 

• Tight musculature – tight calf muscles and a tight Achilles tendon can alter the way a foot should function and lead to increased stress on the plantar fascia.

 

• Obesity – increased body weight increases the pressure on the feet and can further strain the plantar fascia. 

 

Commonly, a combination of the above is seen for the causes of plantar fasciitis. 

 

How can Chiropractors in Georgetown, ON. Help with Plantar Fasciitis?

 

After a thorough assessment of your concerns, your chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan. There are many conservative treatment options that your chiropractor can implement in helping treat plantar fasciitis.

 

• Manipulative Therapy and Mobilizations to the joints of the feet – if there are restrictions found in the ankle causing improper foot mechanics, adjustments and mobilizations at certain joints in the ankle can help restore motion, which may reduce the strain on the plantar fascia. 

• Soft Tissue Therapy – this can be done to the tight muscles and structures such as the calf and hamstring muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia to reduce tightness which may be straining the plantar fascia. 

• Gait Analysis – your chiropractor can perform an assessment of your gait to see if there are any abnormalities which can be corrected to improve the foot mechanics. This can also help create a personalized treatment plan. 

• Orthotics – custom orthotics can be made to help with foot mechanics and increase cushioning to further reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Speak with your chiropractor in Georgetown, ON to see how custom orthotics can be of benefit for you and your feet health!

• Education and Lifestyle Advice: 

  • Rest

  • Ice

  • Footwear selection

  • Ergonomic advice on how to make your workstation feet friendly.

  • Walking biomechanics. 

• Stretching and Strengthening Rehabilitation – your chiropractor will prescribe exercises to help stretch and strengthen muscles of the feet and improve proprioception and balance.

 

Additional treatment options for plantar fasciitis can include:

• Shock Wave Therapy

• Steroid Injections

• Surgery

However, these treatment options are typically last resort options, as chiropractic conservative therapy is seen to be very effective in treating plantar fasciitis. 

 

To book an appointment with a chiropractor in Georgetown for your plantar fasciitis pain, click on the booking link provided! 

​

Article by: Dr. Mital Panchal