What is Plantar Fasciitis

The fascia is a thick fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel of the foot to the toes. Its purpose is to support the muscle in the foot as well as the arch. If this tissue is over-stretched, miniscule tears can happen on the surface of the fascia.

This is Plantar Fasciitis and it causes inflammation and pain, much like you would feel if walking on a pebble.

Causes

As previously stated, the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis is caused by tears in the surface of the fascia, but what causes those tears to occur? There are a number of things that can contribute to it that include:

• Wearing high heels often
• Having flat feet or an overly high arch
• Foot trauma from a fall
• Wearing worn out shoes with thin soles
• Heel cords (tight Achilles Tendons)
• Having an unusual gait
• Being overweight
• Being on your feet for several hours a day

This condition is also more common in women and older people. Likely due to the likelihood of high heel wearing and time spent on feet respectively.

Symptoms & Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are fairly basic. It creates a pain in the bottom of the foot at the front or center of the heel. This pain is often worse after exercise, upon waking, and after standing and/or sitting for extended periods.

Our chiropractor will manually check for tender points on your feet. The cause can often be determined by where the pain is located along the fascia. Imaging tests are not necessary except to rule out pinched/compressed nerves or stress fracture of the heel. A simple MRI or x-ray can show these.

How Our Chiropractor May Treat It

Our chiropractor will employ a variety of techniques including:

• Exercises to stretch and strengthen the fascia, Achilles, and muscles
• Therapeutic massage
• Ultrasonography
• Shockwave therapy
• Musculoskeletal adjustment

Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractic Team

If you would like more info about Plantar Fasciitis or any other conditions NuView Health Medical can help with, give us a call at (212) 588-0707, stop by our conveniently located New York City office, or schedule an appointment online today.