Plantar Fasciitis and Chiropractic

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

When your first few steps out of bed in the morning cause severe pain in the heel of your foot, you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury affecting the sole, or flexor surface (plantar) ligament, of the foot. A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means you have inflamed the tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting your heel bone, through your arch, to the base of your toes. If you do not treat plantar fasciitis, it may become a chronic condition. You may not be able to keep up your level of activity, and you may also develop symptoms of foot, knee, hip and back problems because of the way plantar fasciitis can change the way you walk.

What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can occur suddenly or gradually. When they occur suddenly, there is often intense heel pain on taking the first morning steps. This heel pain will often subside as you begin to walk around, but it may return later in the day. This first-step pain is also felt after sitting for prolonged periods of time. When symptoms occur gradually, a more long-lasting form of heel pain will cause you to shorten your stride while running or walking. You also may shift your weight toward the front of the foot, away from the heel. The pain from plantar fasciitis can be described as being dull, aching or sharp and can usually be reproduced by flexing the toes upwards (dorsiflexion) and tensing the fascia.

What are the causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

Several biomechanical factors cause plantar fasciitis, such as abnormal inward twisting of the foot (pronation), high arches, flat feet or tight tendons along the back of the heel (Achilles tendons). Excessive pronation has been found in about 85% of those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Pronation can be responsible for added tension in the plantar fascia as the arch lowers during standing or walking. Also, repetitive pressure on the feet, such as from jobs or activities that require prolonged walking or standing on hard or irregular surfaces, may contribute. Running can also lead to wear and tear on the plantar fascia as well as increased intensity in training or exercise pattern. Aggravating factors, such as being overweight or having poorly cushioned shoes, the natural process of aging, which may cause tissue in the heels to weaken over time, may also be causes.

How is Plantar Fasciitis treated?

Symptoms usually resolve more quickly when the time between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of treatment is as short as possible. An initial six- to eight-week program of conservative treatment is usually recommended. As chiropractic doctors we can mobilize and manually treat the joints of the foot and ankle. Also we will develop an exercise program to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen the lower leg muscles, which stabilize your ankles and heels. These include exercises for flexibility, stability, balance, strength, coordination and restoration of range of motion. Electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, heat, or cold may also be used.

If you suffer from the above or know someone who does, why not call us on 043481166 or book an appointment online at http://www.chiropracticdubai.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Gerry Nastasia

Chiropractic Dubai

http://www.chiropracticdubai.com

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