Plantar fasciitis is one of the most lingering and restrictive orthopedic pathologies in the foot. It’s estimated that nearly 2 million Americans experience plantar fasciitis each year and an estimated 10% of people will face this problem during their lifetime.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis can be defined as inflammation of the plantar fascia and surrounding fascial tissues due to repetitive microtrauma from excessive traction and/or loading forces.
The plantar aponeurosis, better known as the plantar fascia, is one of the many passive structures within the foot that provides support to the medial longitudinal arch. It is comprised of three separate bands, a medial, central, and lateral band. The most common site of patient-reported pain is usually at the medial tubercle on the plantar aspect of the heel, or calcaneus, which is the origin of the central band of the plantar fascia.
Common Signs of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a very common diagnosis and is frequently over diagnosed. If you have been seeing little to no results with treatment over a 6 month span, there could be a spinal or joint mechanic component related to your foot/heel pain. The lumbar spine is known to create what is known as referral pain to this region. Make sure you check with your local Sports Chiropractor or Physical Therapist to confirm your diagnosis.
Unilateral pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel.
Unilateral pain with first steps in the morning
Unilateral pain AFTER exercise/running
Tight achilles and calf muscles
Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis
In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific, identifiable reason. There are, however, many factors that can make you more prone to the condition:
Suddenly new or increased activity
Repetitive high impact activity (running/sports)
Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
Anatomically - pes planus (flat feet)
Tight achilles, calf and hamstring muscles (posterior chain tightness)
High BMI
Poor ankle joint dorsiflexion
How To Fix Plantar Fasciitis?
Proper exercises and treatment! The good news is that over 90% of those diagnosed with plantar fasciitis will recover in 6-12 months with conservative treatment. There are an abundance of conservative treatment options available that are strongly supported in the literature for treating plantar fasciitis including the techniques used at this clinic (chiropractic manipulation, mechanical diagnostic and therapy, active release technique).
Do you want to get a head start on your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment? Click on this video!
Understanding how to differentiate your big toe from the rest of your toes can play a huge role in treating Plantar Fasciitis. It's important to hold the Tripod Stance the entire time while performing these exercises, if you cheat you are only cheating yourself! You won't master this over night, don't get discouraged just keep practicing.
Are you already a pro at this? Let's make it harder by adding every day movements! (click the video below). Use a band as a cue to know if you are cheating.
Stretching the Plantar Aponeurosis along with the Achilles Tendon, Gastrocnemius and Soleus will help! Check out this video below on how to get a good Plantar Aponeurosis stretch along with how to self mobe your ankle joint.
If you have any questions about Dr. Matt's approach to Chiropractic care feel free to reach out
8540 Hamburg Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Hamburg Fitness Center, 2nd floor
(248) 251-6688
Additional Sources:
Lau, M. (2022, September 7). Plantar fasciitis Prehab. [P]rehab. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://theprehabguys.com/plantar-fasciitis-exercises/
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