Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot that usually causes pain in the underside of the arch and the heel. A number of health care professionals are qualified to diagnose and manage this disorder. Similarities exist in how these professionals may approach an examination for plantar fasciitis; however each professional brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table. As an expert in structural anatomy and biomechanics, the chiropractor may be an excellent resource for a comprehensive examination and treatment. Chiropractors and specially trained to evaluate foot alignment and to adjust the bones of the ankle, foot and toes. Even misalignment of the hips and knees can trigger or complicate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A chiropractor can evaluate these areas of the bony structures as well.
What are the causes and risk factors of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is common in people who are physically active or spend significant time on their feet. Runners and joggers are prone to plantar fasciitis, especially if they have recently increased their running mileage or intensity. It is very common for salesman and nurses who spend long hours walking on hard floors.
Worn out shoes and bad shoes do not absorb pounding and stress like quality shoes. This results in increased physical stress on the plantar fascia, leading to injury. In Arizona, sandals and flip flops often aggravate plantar fasciitis.
Improper foot mechanics, over-pronation, high arches, flat feet, or poor walking mechanics can increase the stress on the plantar fascia leading to damage and continually aggravating plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in middle aged people, as years of wear and tear on the body begin to show. As we begin to carry a few extra pounds later in life, this further increases the stress on the fascia.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The pain from plantar fasciitis can be described as a dull ache or sharp pain. Plantar fasciitis tends to worsen after standing or exercising for prolonged periods or after getting out of bed in the morning. Morning heel pain from plantar fasciitis is one of the most common symptoms. As the person walks, the fascia “warms up” and lengthens slightly, reducing the tension on the ligament and lessening the pain.
If you have heel pain at the inside, front and bottom of your heel, especially if it’s in the morning or after sitting a long time, then your probably have plantar fasciitis (heel spur). When the pain is severe, it is believed to be the result of bone and/or nerve irritation that is the result of too much tension, inflammation or scar tissue in the fascia. The pain often increases with more walking and standing. The pain is usually where the fascia attaches to the heel, but it can be over the entire bottom area of the foot.
If the heel pain began concurrently with a change or increase in activity, or an increase in weight, then it can be considered more of a cause of plantar fasciitis (heel spur). A stress fracture where the fascia attaches to the heel is sometimes seen in bone scans. Fifty percent of the sufferers say the pain is constant. About 90 percent say it hurts when pressed deeply with a finger.
Is Treatment Available Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is best treated early. The longer and more severe it becomes, the harder and more involved treatment becomes. Seek help from an experienced provider sooner than later. Here at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic we’ve helped a wide range of patients with plantar fasciitis, and we would be more than happy to sit down with you to see what we can do for you. We offer a wide variety of treatments suited specifically for a patient’s needs and conditions, and we are the first chiropractors in the Augusta area to offer treatments on specific parts of the body, such as a foot, with digital real-time progress.
Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic is conveniently located off Furys Ferry Rd in Martinez, Georgia and provides quality chiropractic care to the Augusta, Martinez, and Evans communities. To schedule an appointment, call (706) 814-5053 or schedule an appointment online at www.georgia-clinic.com.
