Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects a lot of people. It’s characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation can lead to some pretty significant discomfort and limited mobility.
Your plantar fascia is like a rubber band left out in the cold - tight and restricted. As you move it and stretch it a few times, it warms up and becomes more flexible. Oftentimes, those with plantar fasciitis have a sharp pain in their heel, especially after sitting for long periods of time or after waking up in the morning (after not moving your foot for a while!). Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to effective treatment options and faster healing!
Chiropractic Treatment Approaches
Manual Adjustments
Adjustments focus on maintaining motion within the joints of the foot and ankle. By improving biomechanics, chiropractors can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia, allowing for better overall foot function.
Scraping
Scraping focuses on breaking up scar tissue and adhesions within the plantar fascia. Think of it this way: when we overwork a tissue, scar tissue is placed as a “patch” over the site of injury. The “patch” typically doesn’t move and glide exactly how the original tissue does. Scraping gently breaks down the parts of the patch that don’t move well and further promotes good movement in the parts that do move well.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Did you know your plantar fascia is actually indirectly attached to your calf muscle via the Achilles Tendon? Believe it or not, working both your calves as well as your feet is a great way to relieve some of your plantar fasciitis! Exercises like eccentric calf raises or toe scrunches will do wonders!
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Effective Pain Relief
Chiropractic treatment provides targeted adjustments that focus on pain relief. These adjustments can significantly reduce inflammation and discomfort in the feet and lower back, which are often associated with plantar fasciitis.
Enhanced Foot Function and Stability
Another significant benefit of chiropractic care is the improvement in foot function and gait. When the body moves well, balance and stability are restored. This not only alleviates current pain but also plays a critical role in preventing further injuries.
Conclusion
Chiropractic treatment offers effective solutions for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. Combining adjustments, scraping, and rehab can alleviate pain and improve overall foot function. If you’re experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consider reaching out! We’re here to help!