Plantar Fasciitis
What is plantar fasciitis?
 Standing,
running or jumping can cause a repetitive stress injury to
the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel toward the toes
on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia helps support
body weight, and these repetitive motions can increase the
force and strain on the plantar fascia, causing injury.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
 The
first step out of bed in the morning can often cause a sharp,
stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot when the plantar fascia
is injured. The pain can decrease after several minutes, but
will usually return after standing or sitting for long periods
of time. Pain characterized by tenderness on the inside of
the heel and swelling on the bottom of the foot can disappear
during activity, but return afterwards.
Because everyday movements like standing and walking aggravate
plantar fasciitis, it can take months for the injury to heal.
Those with professions requiring hours of standing tend to
have a slow recovery and the likelihood of long-term problems
(as long as 3 to 9 months) with the plantar fascia.
What are the causes and risk factors of plantar fasciitis?
Physically active people like runner or joggers, or those
who spend a lot of time on their feet are prone to plantar
fasciitis. An increase in running mileage or intensity, and
worn out or poor quality shoes can result in increased physical
stress on the plantar fascia, leading to injury.
As we age and put on extra weight, the wear and tear on the
plantar fascia can lead to increased stress and injury. Other
physical factors such as improper foot or walking mechanics,
over-pronation, high arches or flat feet can lead to damage
and continued aggravation of the condition.
What are the treatments for plantar fasciitis?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis encourages proper healing
of the fascia through decreasing the chronic inflammation
of the plantar fascia. Rest and ice are recommended as the
initial home treatments, along with stretching tight muscles.
The arch and fascia can be supported during treatment by using
night splints and orthotics, as well.
During active treatment, your healthcare provider may prescribe
proprioceptive and foot strengthening exercises, along with
stretching of the calves and hamstrings to reduce stress and
improve walking mechanics. Electrical stimulation and ultrasound
therapy may be recommended to decrease inflammation of the
plantar fascia.
Cycles of stress and rest can often produce improper scar
tissue formation on the plantar fascia. This scar tissue develops
as a temporary patch while the area heals. Because everyday
activities aggravate the condition and injure the scar tissue
repeatedly, plantar fasciitis can be difficult to treat successfully.
Continued cycles of inflammation and healing can cause plantar
fasciitis to continue for month or even years.
The Graston Technique, used by Alpha Chiropractic, is a treatment
that successfully breaks up scar tissue and allows the plantar
fascia to heal correctly. This technique involves instrument-assisted
soft tissue mobilization, which treats soft tissue fibrosis
and repeated cycles of inflammation. The Graston Technique
reduces pain and increases the speed of healing.
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, seek
treatment early on, before the condition is allowed to become
chronic and more difficult to treat. An experienced provider
can prevent plantar fasciitis from becoming an injury that
lasts for months or years. Call Alpha Chiropractic today to
resolve your plantar fasciitis at (480) 812-1800.
Further information on the Graston Technique can be found
at www.grastontechnique.com
Back to Chiropractic Resources
 Dr. Carson Robertson is in private practice at
Alpha Chiropractic. His clinic services the
chiropractic, massage therapy, and physiotherapy
needs of the Chandler, Ahwatukee, and Gilbert area.
He has a special interest in athletics, running, and
soft tissue injuries. Carson Robertson DC can be
reached at (480) 812-1800. |
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