It is a common condition that affects the feet and can be a debilitating problem that leads to a loss of quality of life. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue located along the bottom of your foot. This condition can cause severe and debilitating pain, making it difficult to walk and stand at any time. The risk factors are age, weight, certain types of exercise, and foot. Besides, untreated, plantar fasciitis problems lead to foot, knee, hip, or back problems. However, Adjusting the foot and addressing soft tissue problems will address the root cause. It is estimated that 75% of people deal with foot pain in the United States, and chiropractic care gets excellent results with soft tissue work that involves walking an average step of 8000 steps a day. Anatomy of the foot – 3 arches create balance and support as the body’s foundation. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to activities that stress the heels and attached muscles, like aerobic dance and long distances; the plantar fascia ligament recovers in several months with continuous treatment. This article analyzes how plantar fasciitis is treated, who it affects, and some frequently asked questions.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
It is treated using the following methods:
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
We will first give you a comprehensive consultation if you come to our office for plantar fasciitis. We will ask about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. We will also ask about your medical history and any previous treatments you have tried.
After the consultation, we will perform a thorough physical exam. We will palpate the affected area and check for any tenderness or swelling. We may also order X-rays or imaging tests to rule out other conditions causing pain.
Once we have a diagnosis, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and prevent a recurrence. Treatment may include rest, ice, heat, stretching exercises, orthotics, night splints, shoe modifications, or injections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the plantar fascia or remove damaged tissue.
Specific Chiropractic Care
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified chiropractor. They will be able to assess your situation and tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. Our customized chiropractic care plan can help reduce or even eliminate your foot pain.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
If you think you have plantar fasciitis, your first step is to see a healthcare professional like a chiropractor. We will ask about your symptoms and medical history and may do a physical exam. Besides this, we may also order X-rays or an MRI scan to rule out other possible causes of your pain, such as a stress fracture.
Once you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a chiropractor will develop a custom therapeutic exercise plan. This plan will likely include stretches and exercises to improve the flexibility of your Achilles tendon and calf muscles. It may also include exercises to strengthen your feet and leg muscles.
Soft Tissue Work
When you first come in to see us about your foot pain, we will assess your foot and ankle range of motion. We will also feel for any tenderness or tightness in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your foot and ankle. Based on our assessment, we may recommend some soft tissue work to help improve the flexibility and range of motion in your foot and ankle.
Soft tissue work can include massage, stretching, and other manual therapies. Massage can help to loosen tight muscles and promote blood flow to the area. Stretching can help to lengthen tight muscles and tendons. Also, these therapies can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion in the affected area.
Deep Tissue Laser
Deep tissue laser therapy is a type of low-level laser therapy. Laser therapy involves using light to stimulate cells and promote healing. Low-level lasers have been used for medical purposes for decades, and research has shown that they’re effective in treating various conditions, including pain.
When it comes to plantar fasciitis, laser therapy can help to reduce inflammation and pain. The treatment works by delivering pulses of light energy to the affected area. This energy helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. There are no known side effects associated with the use of low-level lasers. And because the treatment is non-invasive, there’s no need for recovery time afterward.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body. This is said to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and help to relieve pain. Some scientific evidence supports the use of acupuncture for pain relief. It is often used as a complementary treatment for other conditions such as headaches, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Who Plantar Fasciitis Affects
Runners
Athletes are not the only ones who can develop plantar fasciitis. Anybody who spends long periods on their feet can be susceptible to this condition. This includes people who stand for long hours at work, such as factory workers or salespeople. It also includes people constantly on the go, such as waiters or taxi drivers. And it can even affect people who are relatively sedentary but still put a lot of stress on their feet, such as pregnant women or obese individuals.
Obese Individuals
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can affect anyone, but it is more common in certain groups of people. One group is more likely to experience plantar fasciitis in obese individuals. This is because the added weight puts extra strain on the feet, which can lead to plantar fasciitis.
If you are obese and experience pain in your feet, you must see a doctor to rule out plantar fasciitis. Treatment for plantar fasciitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition but often includes stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle. In some cases, orthotics or other devices may be recommended to help support the foot.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This is due to the weight and stress on the feet and ankles. The hormones released during pregnancy can also lead to joint and muscle pain, contributing to plantar fasciitis. If you are pregnant and have foot or ankle pain, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciopathy.
Certain Occupations
When it comes to occupations that are most likely to cause or exacerbate plantar fasciopathy, there are a few that stand out. Firstly, any job that involves a lot of standing or walking will put extra strain on the plantar fascia and can develop the condition. This includes roles such as retail work, teaching, catering, and so on. Secondly, any occupation that requires regular heavy lifting can also strain the plantar fascia and potentially lead to plantar fasciopathy. This includes roles such as construction work, warehouse work, and others. Finally, any job that involves repetitive motions can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciopathy. This might include factory work, office work where you’re typing a lot, or similar.
People with Certain Foot Structures
Certain foot structures make a person more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. The condition is more common in people with high arches or flat feet. An ankle can also cause this condition if it rolls inward or outward. People who spend much time on their feet are also at increased risk. This includes people who stand for long periods, walk, or run a lot.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions include:
Can Chiropractors help plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciopathy is a condition that affects the foot and can cause pain in the heel or arch area. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. This condition is caused when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or inflamed. Chiropractors can help treat plantar fasciopathy by adjusting the foot and ankle. They may also recommend exercises or stretches to help relieve pain and improve flexibility.
What exercise can you do when you have plantar fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciopathy, there are certain exercises you can do to help alleviate the pain and improve the condition. One exercise is to stretch your calf muscles by doing heel raises. You can also do toe raises, which help stretch the plantar fascia. Another good exercise is to roll a tennis ball under your foot, which helps massage the muscle and break up any knots or trigger points. It would help if you also avoid high-impact activities that jar or jolt your feet, as this can aggravate plantar fasciopathy.
How do I permanently get rid of plantar fasciitis?
If you’re looking for ways to permanently get rid of plantar fasciopathy, there are a few things you can do. First, seeing a doctor or certified physical therapist is important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you know what’s causing your plantar fasciopathy, you can take steps to reduce the inflammation and pain. This may include icing the affected area, stretching and strengthening exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and using over-the-counter or prescription medications. If conservative treatments don’t improve your symptoms after several months, you may need surgery to release the tension in the plantar fascia or remove a spur on the heel bone. Recovery from surgery takes several weeks, but most people experience significant relief from their plantar fasciitis pain.
Is a foot massage good for plantar fasciitis?
There are many different opinions on whether or not a foot massage is good for plantar fasciopathy. Some people swear by it, while others say it does nothing. The truth is, there is only a little scientific evidence either way. However, there are some potential benefits of getting a foot massage if you have plantar fasciopathy. For one, it can help to increase blood flow and circulation in the affected area. This can then help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Massaging the muscles and tissues in your feet can help release tension and tightness. This can also lead to reduced pain and discomfort. Ultimately, whether or not a foot massage is right for you is something you’ll have to decide for yourself. If you’re interested in trying it, consult your doctor first to ensure it’s safe.
What aggravates plantar fasciitis?
Several things can aggravate plantar fasciitis, including:
- obesity
- tight calf muscles
- high heels
- flat feet
- overpronation
- long periods of standing or walking
- sudden changes in activity level
These factors can contribute to plantar fasciopathy development or worsen the condition. If you have any risk factors, it’s important to reduce your risk by stretching your calf muscles and wearing supportive shoes.
Is it bad to walk with plantar fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciopathy, you may wonder if walking with the condition is bad. The answer is that it depends on the severity of your plantar fasciitis. If you have mild plantar fasciopathy, walking may help to stretch out your fascia and relieve pain. However, walking can aggravate your condition and cause even more pain if you have severe plantar fasciopathy. If your plantar fasciopathy is severe, you should see a doctor or physical therapist for treatment.
Do cortisone shots help with plantar fasciitis?
Cortisone is a type of medication that can be injected into the body to help reduce inflammation. Plantar fasciopathy is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot and is often caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Cortisone shots are sometimes used to treat plantar fasciitis, as they can help to reduce inflammation and pain. However, there is some debate about whether cortisone shots are effective for treating plantar fasciopathy, as there needs to be more evidence to support their use.
