Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Aurora
The average American takes around 8,000 steps a day, so it’s no surprise that 75% of people are dealing with some type of foot pain. Our feet have three arches to create balance and a firm foundation for the body.
The plantar fascia is a ligament that starts at the base of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. When this ligament becomes inflamed it puts stress on the arch of your foot, resulting in stabbing pain that can affect your quality of life from basic walking to elite athletics. Plantar fasciitis pain can be horribly debilitating leading to decreased activity levels which may cause weight gain and depression.
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to foot issues, knee pain, hip pain, and lower back pain as the body works to compensate for a weak foundation. Chiropractic care at Buchar Family Chiropractic is an excellent acute care treatment as well as a proactive treatment for plantar fasciitis that works to stop the progression of the condition, provide natural pain relief, and correct the underlying issue causing the pain.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
During your consultation and exam, our focus will be on the mechanics of the foot, but we also want to examine the knee, pelvis, and lower back which can be affected by instability and weakness in the feet. We want to make sure that not only is this a pain-related consultation but a function-related one as well. Orthopedic and neurological exams will help us assess the functional capacities of the knees up into the lower back. Plantar fasciitis is chronic by nature, so our goal is to identify the root cause of the issue so we can eliminate issues in the future.
Specific Chiropractic Care
Our chiropractic care will look at the feet in particular, but also parts of the body that may be influenced or are influencing the plantar fascia pain. We’ll assess the mobility of the foot, looking for restrictions or subluxations in the tarsals and bones of the ankle. We’ll address the range of motion, adhesions, subluxations and, if any are found, adjust the joints as needed. Pelvic rotation will give us insight into the knee issues or a lower back issue that could be associated with the plantar fasciitis.
Customized Therapeutic Exercise Plan
Based on the results of your exams we will suggest exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia, decrease inflammation, and strengthen other areas of the lower extremity like the Achilles and Muscles in the lower leg. Soft tissue work, Graston and Active Release Technique, will be used to strip the muscles and tendons of adhesions, stretching the muscles along the calf, hamstring, glutes, IT band, and hip flexors. Something as simple as rolling a bottle of ice back and forth, or massaging with a golf or lacrosse ball, works well to release trigger points and muscle tension that may be contributing to or resulting from the plantar fascia dysfunction.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works very well as a natural treatment for plantar fasciitis. The ancient Chinese technique decreases inflammation to alleviate pain and also accelerate healing, both in the plantar fascia itself and in the body as a whole.
Who Is Affected By Plantar Fasciitis
The repetitive stress on the tissues of the foot puts runners at a high risk of developing plantar fasciitis. All of this depends on the frequency and distance habits of the athlete. In many instances, where the pain is mild to moderate, you will still be able to run safely. In more severe cases it may be necessary to stop running until the plantar fascia has a chance to heal. Proper footwear is vital, not only for continued running but also to start up again after the pain has stopped. We can suggest the proper shoes for your condition along with fitting custom orthotics for more advanced cases.
Obese individuals are prone to plantar fasciitis. The increased pressure on the feet, joints, and soft tissue of the ankle makes everyday activities more stressful on the feet. Exercise and stretching are beneficial but may be difficult due to the pain. Losing weight along with chiropractic treatment will definitely help reduce pain and get you back on your feet. We can tailor a specific nutrition program based on your needs and activity level.
One of the many issues that a pregnant woman may experience is plantar fasciitis. Weight gain leads to increased stress on the feet. Women may not be used to the weight, new weight distribution, or changing body structure, all of which can create stress. In addition, the hormones that the body releases to prepare for birth relax certain ligaments making them more flexible, prone to hypermobility, which can lead to injury.
Servers, laborers, factory workers, and other jobs that require you to be on your feet for long periods of time are at a higher risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Supportive footwear is vital and investing in customized orthotics or quality boots may make all the difference.
You may have a genetic predisposition to plantar fasciitis based on your foot arch. Extreme arch structures, flat feet, or high arches will affect the ligaments and muscles in the feet. We can investigate the different ways of managing this whether it’s orthotics, adjustments in the office, or certain stretches, and supportive footwear to find out which option is best for you.
FAQ
What aggravates plantar fasciitis?
Is it bad to walk with plantar fasciitis?
Do cortisone shots help with plantar fasciitis?
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If you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, we want to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get on the path to relief!
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