Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Overview

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition typically causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. The pain may worsen with activity but often subsides after warming up. Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

Overuse or Strain: Repetitive activities, like running or walking, that place excessive strain on the foot.
Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can increase stress on the plantar fascia.
Tight Calf Muscles: Reduced flexibility in the calf muscles can pull on the heel, causing strain.
Improper Footwear: Shoes with inadequate support or cushioning can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractic care focuses on addressing misalignments and reducing strain on the plantar fascia through adjustments and soft tissue techniques. Chiropractors can help with:

Foot and Ankle Adjustments: Gentle manipulations to realign the foot and ankle joints, reducing stress on the plantar fascia and improving foot mechanics.
Spinal and Hip Adjustments: Misalignments in the spine, hips, or knees can affect posture and gait, contributing to foot pain. Chiropractors correct these misalignments to improve overall body mechanics, reducing the strain on the feet.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release or massage to relieve tension in the plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon, promoting flexibility and reducing inflammation.
Posture and Gait Assessment: Chiropractors evaluate walking patterns and suggest corrective exercises or orthotic support to reduce abnormal strain on the feet.

Chiropractic care helps relieve plantar fasciitis by addressing misalignments, improving foot mechanics, and reducing soft tissue tension, leading to better healing and reduced pain.

Physiotherapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Physiotherapy plays an important role in treating plantar fasciitis by reducing pain, increasing flexibility, and strengthening the muscles of the foot and lower leg. Key physiotherapy techniques include:

Stretching Exercises: Focused stretches for the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles to improve flexibility and reduce strain on the foot. Stretching is especially important to relieve morning pain and prevent future issues.
Strengthening Exercises: Exercises targeting the foot, calf, and ankle muscles to improve foot support, correct imbalances, and prevent overloading the plantar fascia.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation and deep tissue massage to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area.
Taping or Orthotics: The use of supportive taping techniques or custom orthotics to offload pressure from the plantar fascia and support the foot during healing.
Pain Relief Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound, ice therapy, or electrical stimulation (TENS) to reduce pain and promote tissue healing.

Physiotherapy helps alleviate plantar fasciitis by improving flexibility, strength, and foot function, promoting long-term recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Combined Approach

A combined approach of chiropractic care and physiotherapy offers a comprehensive solution for plantar fasciitis. Chiropractic care addresses misalignments and improves overall posture and foot mechanics, while physiotherapy focuses on strengthening, stretching, and reducing inflammation. Together, these therapies can provide significant pain relief, improve foot function, and promote long-lasting recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis