Anatomy of the Foot
The plantar fascia is a thick, ligamentous connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This strong and tight tissue helps maintain the arch of the foot. It is also one of the major transmitters of weight across the foot as you walk or run. Thus, tremendous stress is placed on the plantar fascia, often leading to plantar fasciitis— a stabbing or burning pain in the heel or arch of the foot.
Another sign is the morning hobble from the foot trying to heal itself in a contracted position overnight. Taking that first step causes sudden strain on the bottom of the foot. The pain can recur after long spells of sitting, but it tends to fade during a run, once the area is warmed up.
Why Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Ibuprofen Don’t Work
Because there’s little inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, are unlikely to aid in healing the problem. Until recently, scientists believed that it was an inflammatory condition. However, when they microscopically examined tissue from sore heels, they found very little evidence of inflammation. Instead, the injury seems to involve degeneration of the tissue; small tears in the fascia accumulate and become a constant, debilitating ache.
Additionally, Dr. David Nieman, a well-regarded physiologist and director of the Human Performance Laboratory at the North Carolina Research Campus, was asked to conduct research on the racers at the Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile test of human stamina held annually in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. After looking at racers’ blood work, he determined that some of the ultramarathoners were supplying their own physiological stress, in tablet form. Those runners who’d popped over-the-counter ibuprofen pills before and during the race displayed significantly more inflammation and other markers of high immune system response afterward than the runners who hadn’t taken anti-inflammatories. The ibuprofen users also showed signs of mild kidney impairment and, both before and after the race, of low-level endotoxemia, a condition in which bacteria leak from the colon into the bloodstream.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
A better treatment option is seeking a chiropractor specifically trained to treat your plantar fasciitis. As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic has successfully helped a wide range of plantar fasciitis sufferers with our customized, condition-specific treatments.
Scar tissue adhesions located within and between soft-tissues are best removed using a soft-tissue therapy called Active Release, a treatment method that often provides immediate as well as dramatic results. It is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, fascia and nerves) treatment system that was designed specifically to deal with Cumulative Trauma Disorders. In addition to providing this specialized form of treatment, we are also one of the few clinics in the Augusta GA area able to provide cold laser treatments, which have research-backed studies displaying its effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis.
Our treatments have not only successfully helped professional athletes across the country, but professional dancers as well. You can contact our friendly staff at (706) 814-5053 to schedule a complimentary consultation, so that we can determine if you would be a candidate for our treatments.
Jami’s Success Story for Plantar Fasciitis with Augusta GA Chiropractor Dr. Mark Huntsman:
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized chiropractic treatments to the Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA communities. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for customized chiropractic in Augusta GA.
Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call (706) 814-5053, use our online voicemail, or use our online form.
