Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association, affecting about 2 million Americans each year.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the band of tissue extending from your heel bone to your toes. Heel pain occurs when this band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, becomes irritated then inflamed.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pain, especially when you first step out of bed. Pain usually subsides throughout the day, as walking around and other foot activity helps your plantar fascia limber up. Standing for long periods or rising from a chair may also cause pain.

Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

You are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you are a runner, have flat feet and high arches, are obese or have gained weight suddenly, or if have a tight Achilles tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. You are at higher risk for this type of heel pain if you change your activities suddenly or wear shoes with soft soles or poor arch support.

Plantar fasciitis can develop in either gender, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), but the condition most often affects active males ages 40 to 70. NLM says that plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic foot complains.

Healthcare providers used to think plantar fasciitis was the result of a heel spur, which is a calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone. X-ray technology now shows that people with and without heel spurs can develop plantar fasciitis.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractor Treating Plantar Fasciitis In Omaha

Clinicians now use many types of treatment for plantar fasciitis, including anti-inflammatory drugs, injections, orthotics, taping, and splinting. Chiropractic manipulation and cold laser therapy are highly effective treatments for plantar fasciitis. Neuromuscular release is a natural, conservative approach to plantar fasciitis. This technique can increase blood circulation, reduce swelling and relax the plantar fascia tissue to reduce spasms, increase range of motion in the foot, and aid in recovery.

Our chiropractic manipulation may help restore normal joint function that reduces the overall tension across the plantar fascia band. Our chiropractor can also train patients to perform stretching exercises that reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms. Stretching often begins with heat but applying ice to the bottom of the foot may enhance stretching exercises. Patients should perform stretching exercises several times each day.

Plantar Fasciitis Rehabilitation

Stretching exercises are the cornerstone of plantar fasciitis rehabilitation. Our chiropractors can teach you how to perform isometric toe curls and strengthening exercises targeting your calf muscle groups in the earliest stages of your rehabilitation. You can then move on to single-leg stands, jumping rope, and other hopping exercises in the final stages of your recovery. Our chiropractors can also teach you how to perform a brief self-massage before you get out of bed each morning.

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