Plantar Fasciitis, also known as “heel pain syndrome,” is the most common cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis results from a gradual degeneration of the plantar fascia or sudden trauma to the area. Patients often feel pain when they are standing or walking and the sensation is a deep ache or sharp stab along the bottom of the foot or in the inner/ middle of the heel.
The pain often occurs early in the morning, when taking your first few steps out of bed, or after other long periods of no activity. As the foot naturally tightens at night, the fascia may gain new tears in the morning, initiating a painful cycle. The condition tends to be chronic and appearing in one heel or both. Some doctors suggest that bone spurs are the cause and surgery is needed.
At The Chiropractic Center at Styertowne, we know that bone spurs are typically not the cause of plantar fasciitis. Surgery will not eliminate the pain, but may weaken or even rupture the plantar fascia!
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is commonly seen in middle-aged patients, but the young can be affected as well. We also see it often in those who place a great deal of stress on their feet like runners, athletes and soldiers. It affects approximately 2 million people in the United States annually.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused in various ways. Wearing improper footwear and strenuous activity can cause degeneration of the plantar fascia. Obesity, over-pronation, high arches or flat feet can also cause damage to the area and lead to heel pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms for plantar fasciitis can include
Pain on the bottom of the heel
Pain in the arch of the foot
Pain that is usually worse upon arising
Pain that increases over a period of months
Swelling on the bottom of the heel
Don't lose hope! You don't have to live with these symptoms forever.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Visit our office today! Chiropractic adjustments and specific manual therapy techniques applied to the foot, ankle and spine can restore normal joint mechanics and reduce tension leading to less symptoms. We can also provide custom-made functional orthotics (not the uncomfortable hard plastic kind) to help hold the adjustments and position your foot for healing. Using the orthotic inserts daily in all shoes will give you best results. We also utilize Erchonia Low-Level Cold Laser therapy in the office and customize rehabilitative exercises to speed the healing process, decrease inflammation and reduce pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
The Chiropractic Center at Styertowne is ready to get you moving and running again without pain. Request an appointment now!