Do you suffer pain under the feet while walking?
Is it worse in the mornings or after sitting for a long time? You could have plantar fasciitis and here’s how Chiropractic can help you!
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
The plantar fascia is thick ligament connecting the heel to the front of the foot. It acts primarily as a shock absorber while walking,distributing pressure through the foot and propelling you forward. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia due to excessive stress/strain being placed on the structure.It is often accompanied by micro tears which will progress if left untreated.Pain is usually experienced at the front of the heel but can commonly extend through the medial arch of the foot to the base of the toes.
HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
Plantar fasciitis can occur because of direct trauma (landing hard on the feet) or a sudden increase in load like drastically increasing running distance. Even sudden weight gain and pregnancy has been shown to have an effect.
It is, however, most commonly described as a repetitive strain injury as a result of faulty biomechanics or imbalance, namely-
• Foot problems especially dropped arches (most commonly) or excessively high arches.
• Excessive foot pronation (rolling in when walking) or excessive supination (rolling out when walking)
• Isolated tightness/weakness of the muscles underlying the plantar fascia
• Excessive tightness/weakness in the muscles of the lower limb (especially the calf muscles)
• Excessive knee or hip internal rotation when walking due to a specific muscle weakness (causing increased foot pronation)
• Pelvic torsion syndromes causing a ‘tilted pelvis’ where one leg will present functionally longer (causing more foot pronation on that side to balance)
• Postural implications where a slouched or lazy posture shifts the body’s weight distribution off center -often incorrectly redistributing pressure on the feet.
External variables such as the incorrect footwear or running shoes also plays a massive role!
As one can appreciate by considering the above-the correction of these biomechanical implications are vital! THANKFULLY THIS IS CHIROPRACTIC’S SPECIALITY
HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
• The acute phase of treatment often involves rest and icing the area. Some bracing may be used as well as light massage.
• Your Chiropractor will then assess the entire biomechanical chain (including the foot/ankle/knee/hip/pelvis/lower back and posture in general.)
• Your Chiropractor will identify any structural anomalies ,blockage or limitation of movement between joints, muscle tightness and weaknesses.
• Any dysfunction found will be corrected using specific joint mobilization/manipulation techniques, muscle release/strengthening procedures and habit/postural re-education via exercises. This is all aimed at reducing the abnormal stress on the plantar fascia!
The foot joints, in particular,respond very well to specific joint manipulation and the foot muscles are easily strengthened. If however, the foot’s biomechanics cannot be corrected using the above conservative approach (or if there are structural anomalies such as a structurally longer leg) referral for foot orthotics (insoles) may be indicated.
You don’t have to live with plantar fasciitis, it is a very easily treatable condition once you have corrected THE CAUSE OF YOUR PROBLEM, THANKS TO CHIROPRACTIC! Written by Dr Etienne Greyling
