Struggling with Plantar Fasciitis? Discover Effective Relief Through Chiropractic Treatments

Apr. 5

Plantar fasciitis is a common and often painful condition that affects the bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. In this blog post, we will delve into what plantar fasciitis is, its common causes, how chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms, and rehabilitation techniques for effective management.

plantar fasciitis treatment chiropractic and massage therapy

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the heel and bottom of the foot, typically worse in the morning or after periods of rest. It is a result of overuse or strain on the plantar fascia, leading to micro-tears and inflammation.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:

Overuse: Activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, such as running, dancing, or standing for long periods, can strain the plantar fascia (9).
Foot Structure: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis (6).
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or cushioning can exacerbate the condition (7).
Obesity: Excess weight puts added pressure on the plantar fascia, increasing the likelihood of inflammation and pain (7).

Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis:

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to managing plantar fasciitis. Here’s how chiropractors can help:

Manual Therapy: Chiropractors use hands-on techniques such as manipulation and mobilization to improve joint function and alleviate tension in the foot and ankle (2).
Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage and myofascial release techniques target tight muscles and fascia in the foot, reducing pain and promoting healing (10).
Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotics may be prescribed to provide support and alignment to the foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia (3).
Exercise Prescription: Chiropractors can recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle, improving stability and reducing the risk of re-injury (1).

Rehabilitation for Plantar Fasciitis:

In addition to chiropractic care, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing plantar fasciitis and preventing recurrence. Some rehabilitation techniques include:

Stretching: Regular stretching of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help relieve tension on the plantar fascia (4).
Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle can improve stability and support (5).
Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help alleviate pain (8).
Footwear Modification: Choosing supportive shoes with proper arch support and cushioning, such as custom orthotics, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further irritation (3).

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right approach, it is manageable. Chiropractic care offers effective treatment options to relieve pain and improve function, while rehabilitation techniques can help strengthen the foot and prevent future injuries. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, consider consulting with a chiropractor to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. With proper care and attention, you can get back on your feet and enjoy an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Victoria, BC chiropractor, Dr. Robert Hor specializes in treating injured runners. Book a consultation and take your first step towards a pain-free future.

References

Assad, S., Ahmad, A., Kiani, I., Ghani, U., Wadhera, V., & Tom, T. (2016). Novel and Conservative Approaches Towards Effective Management of Plantar Fasciitis. Cureus, 8. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.913.
Barwal, D., & Agrawal, D. (2018). PLANTAR FASCITIS: A CONCISE REVIEW. International journal of scientific research.
Bishop, C., Thewlis, D., & Hillier, S. (2018). Custom foot orthoses improve first-step pain in individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-018-2131-6.
Çil, E., Şaylı, U., & Subasi, F. (2019). Outpatient vs Home Management Protocol Results for Plantar Fasciitis. Foot & Ankle International, 40, 1295 - 1303. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100719865302.
Huffer, D., Hing, W., Newton, R., & Clair, M. (2017). Strength training for plantar fasciitis and the intrinsic foot musculature: A systematic review.. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 24, 44-52 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.08.008.
Muth, C. (2017). Plantar Fasciitis.. JAMA, 318 4, 400 . https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.5806.
Puttaswamaiah, R., & Chandran, P. (2007). Degenerative plantar fasciitis: A review of current concepts. The Foot, 17, 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FOOT.2006.07.005.
Owens, J. (2017). Diagnosis and Management of Plantar Fasciitis in Primary Care. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13, 354-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NURPRA.2016.12.016.
Schepsis, A., , R., , L., , J., & , G. (1991). Plantar fasciitis. Etiology, treatment, surgical results, and review of the literature.. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 266, 185-96 . https://doi.org/10.1097/00003086-199105000-00029.
Schuitema, D., Greve, C., Postema, K., Dekker, R., & Hijmans, J. (2020). Effectiveness of Mechanical Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review.. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 1-18 . https://doi.org/10.1123/JSR.2019-0036.

Robert Hor, DC

Victoria Chiropractor Dr. Robert Hor earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the esteemed New Zealand College of Chiropractic in 2023, following a decade-long tenure as a registered massage therapist. Committed to continuous learning and professional development, Dr. Hor’s expertise is underpinned by his extensive experience in massage therapy.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Hor is deeply passionate about various physical activities including cycling, Olympic weightlifting, and rock climbing. Currently, he is embarking on the journey of preparing for his inaugural marathon. This diverse athletic background affords Dr. Hor a nuanced understanding of sports-related injuries and preventive strategies.

Drawing from his personal experiences, Dr. Hor underscores the importance of nutrition and recovery in maintaining peak physical performance. He integrates this holistic approach into his chiropractic practice, empowering patients with the tools and knowledge necessary to support their wellness goals. Central to Dr. Hor’s practice philosophy is his unwavering commitment to optimizing his patients’ functionality and well-being. Employing a multifaceted approach, he employs techniques such as chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, and therapeutic massage. Additionally, he prescribes tailored stretching and strengthening exercises to facilitate rehabilitation and prevent recurrence of injuries.

In tandem with his therapeutic interventions, Victoria Chiropractor Dr. Hor endeavors to impart valuable insights and guidance to each patient, fostering a culture of proactive health management. By customizing his approach to meet individual needs, he aims to cultivate healthier and more vibrant lifestyles among his clientele.

https://haochiropractic.webflow.io/