Can Chiropractic Care Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain?

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue known as the fascia, hence, the name. It connects the heel bone to the base of the toe. The ligament is responsible for providing support to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and is characterized by sharp, stabbing heel pain. The condition is most common in people aged 40-60.

Plantar fasciitis can lead to mobility issues. Many people with plantar fasciitis struggle with activities of daily living and report a low quality of life. Plantar fasciitis usually only causes heel pain, but in some cases, a nerve can become irritated and pain can radiate up into the ankle. In some more severe cases, those with plantar fasciitis report sharp pain in their toes and even back.

Symptoms

Depending on the severity, those with plantar fasciitis report some of the same major complaints as ligament pain. The most common symptoms are

• Pain in the bottom of the heel or midfoot area. Plantar fasciitis pain usually affects one foot. In some cases, patients may experience pain in both feet
• Pain that is worse in the morning or worsens when you try to stand up after sitting or lying down for a while
• Some people with plantar fasciitis report experiencing a burning sensation in the affected foot
• Pain that flares up due to increased inflammation or irritation after physical activity
• A swollen heel

Causes

There are many scenarios that can cause plantar fasciitis. Most causes of ligament pain begin with a misstep or rolling of the foot. Some of the most common causes are

• A tear or multiple small tears in the fascia due to overstretching or overuse of the ligament
• Unusual foot structures such as high arched feet or flat feet
• Working or exercising on concrete or other hard surfaces for long periods of time
• Rolling your feet inward and outward frequently while walking or standing
• Using the wrong pair of shoes/ill-fitting shoes
• Exercising without stretching the calves
• Age-related deterioration

People whose jobs require them to stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods of time, long-distance runners, and jumpers, and those with structural foot issues are at higher risk of plantar fasciitis.

What Happens if Plantar Fasciitis is Left Untreated?

If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, the sooner you see a doctor the better. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to several complications.

Those with plantar fasciitis often modify their gait in order to avoid pain while walking. Gait adjustments can put pressure on other body parts and can lead to various problems such as back pain, sore joints, and muscle strains. That is why it is important to reach out to a licensed chiropractor if you are struggling with pain due to plantar fasciitis right away.

Other common complications that are often seen when left untreated are

• Plantar tears: Over time, inflammation and stress on the fascia can result in tiny tears. Plantar fascial tears cause excruciating pain, affecting the quality of life. If ignored, these tears can grow in size and number, making the plantar fascia vulnerable to ruptures.
• Heel spurs: When the body senses damage to the plantar fascia, it sends an army of cells to the affected area. These cells start depositing calcium. Over time, these deposits develop into sharp protrusions that dig into the fatty pad of the heel, causing excruciating pain
• Plantar ruptures: If you ignore plantar fasciitis pain and continue to participate in activities that place stress on your plantar fascia, a plantar rupture can occur. People with plantar fascia ruptures are unable to place weight on their feet due to the pain caused by the condition. Some common symptoms of plantar ruptures include sharp pain, bruising and swelling in the affected foot and a loud popping sound
• Plantar fibromatosis: Occurs when benign, non-cancerous nodules form along the plantar fascia. Initially, these nodules grow slowly. If left untreated, they can grow rapidly

Some Things That Can Make Plantar Fasciitis Worse

• Failing to lose extra weight
• Using ill-fitting shoes or shoes with minimal cushioning
• Pushing through pain and inflammation
• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Not stretching before exercising

Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis

There are several drugs for plantar fasciitis that promise instant pain relief. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter and prescription pain medications have side effects. Many people with plantar fasciitis who want to steer clear of these problems turn to chiropractic care for pain relief. A licensed chiropractor uses spinal manipulation to reduce pain. Spinal manipulations involve applying gentle, controlled pressure to the affected joint. The goal of spinal manipulation is to improve range of motion and flexibility.

Chiropractic care is drug-free and can hence reduce dependence on pain medications. It is non-invasive and, when performed by an expert, it is 100%t safe and does not have any major side effects. Any pain or discomfort from a chiropractic adjustment usually subsides after 24-48 hours.

Chiropractic care can help reduce plantar fascia symptoms in several ways. A chiropractor can perform foot, ankle, knee, hip, and spine adjustments to relieve pressure on the bottom of the feet. Your chiropractor can help you perform stretches to reduce tension and pressure on the bottom of your feet, so the plantar fascia can relax.  These stretches alleviate aches and pains and reduce inflammation.

Your chiropractor can help you make ergonomic adjustments designed to distribute body weight evenly over the weight-bearing parts of your feet as you sit or stand. Studies show that chiropractic care works by stimulating the brain to produce feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine. These hormones improve mood and help promote happiness and pleasure.

Ascent Chiropractic is one of the most trusted chiropractic care clinics in Normandy Park. We use a whole-body approach to care. Our methods are designed to balance the structure of the body and create a neuromusculoskeletal interaction so that you can live the life you deserve. To make an appointment, call (206) 241-3836.