What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. So what is plantar fasciitis and can chiropractic care help it? The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this tissue. Pain on the bottom of the foot is the most common symptom. Plantar fasciitis pain is often worse in the morning and then may improve after a person has been up and moving around for a while. The pain can be present in both feet or may only be present on one foot.
Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors and Symptoms
People that stand on their feet all day at work, especially on hard surfaces, are more likely to develop plantar fascia issues. Also, people that frequently run or walk for exercise are at higher risk of plantar fasciitis. Some people will report severe pain to the point that they struggle to stand or walk right away in the morning. Some times the pain can improve quickly but other people may struggle with pain for much longer.
Self Care for Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms from plantar fasciitis can often be helped with self-care and lifestyle modifications. Wearing properly sized and supportive shoes is important. Also, stretching the calf muscles on a regular basis may help to relieve pain. Using a tennis ball or golf ball to roll on the bottom of the foot may also help to improve symptoms. Orthotics, or arch supports in shoes, can help support the foot and help symptoms also. Our office has the ability to order Foot Leveler’s custom orthotics for our patients.
Plantar Fasciitis and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, some cases of plantar fasciitis don’t improve with self-care. Chiropractic care may be able to help these cases of plantar fasciitis. Your chiropractor will evaluate the feet as well as knees and spine to determine if chiropractic may be able to help. If indicated, chiropractic adjustments may be performed to the foot and/or spine. Also, soft tissue techniques like myofascial release or manual muscle work may be used. In our office myofascial release has been the most effective thing we have found to help cases of plantar fasciitis. If chiropractic is ineffective a patient may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation. Specialists may consider injections, physical therapy, surgery or other treatments. If you are wondering if chiropractic can help your symptoms please contact our Sioux Falls office for a consultation.
