With more than 3 million cases in the US each year, Plantar Fasciitis is a common ailment plaguing feet. This serious and painful condition occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes develops tears and inflammation, leading to pain primarily in the heel and also in the bottom of the foot. The pain is typically sharp and usually unilateral, but sometimes occurs in both feet. Serious cases can lead to the rupture of the ligament and bone spurs on of the heel.

What causes this condition?
When walking with a normal step, the plantar fascia ligament stretches as the foot strikes the ground. When walking with an abnormal step, or when putting repetitive pressure on the heel, the plantar fascia ligament can stretch irregularly and develop small tears. These small tears can cause the fascia ligament to become inflamed leading to the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.

Risk Factors:
Plantar fasciitis has multiple risk factors and affects both athletes and those with a more sedentary lifestyle. Repetitive pressure on the feet, such as from jobs or activities that require prolonged walking or standing on hard or irregular surfaces can lead to irritation of the ligament. Running and exercise can also lead to wear and tear on the plantar fascia. Abnormal inward twisting of the foot (pronation), high arches, flat feet, or a tight tendons along the back of the heel (Achilles tendon). Aggravating factors, such as being overweight or having poorly cushioned shoes. The natural process of aging may cause tissue in the heels to weaken over time and/or promote wear and tear.
 
Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
Living in pain is needless, chiropractic adjustments of your feet and appropriate lifestyle modifications can help restore function and relieve pain.  We use a wide range of techniques to treat Plantar Fasciitis. Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a technique in which hard-edged instruments are used to break up any adhesions that are present in the tissue. Active Release Technique (ART) is a technique that we use in office to target specific structures that are either over or under active.  You tend to get compensation by some degree if one element of soft tissue isn’t working another has to step up and take over more of the job, think back to group projects in school – the work still had to be done and if one or more individuals didn’t do their work, somebody else had to. In addition, functional rehabilitation and corrective exercises can help to prevent future and reoccurring conditions such as plantar fasciitis. 
 
Don’t let plantar fasciitis plague your every step and keep you from living your active life. Make an appointment with us today so you can live life without pain and stay active!  Call our office today! (864) 881-2242