Pain and inflammation associated with muscles and connective tissues on the bottom (arch) of your foot. The most painful area is usually located on the bottom of the foot near the heel. Heel spurs may or may not be present. The heel spur itself is rarely a contributing factor to the pain.
There is often increased pain with initial standing, walking or running. For example the first step out of bed in the morning or the first step after sitting for a while. The pain seems to reduce as activity continues only to get tired and achy after prolonged activity. This condition will improve with prolonged rest.
This is a common injury in athletes especially: runners, jumpers, walkers, basketball players or people who walk a lot at work.
Tightness in the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon are predisposing factors. So is weight gain. The mechanics of the foot plays an important role, especially: Pronation syndrome; Excessive or prolonged flattening of the foot arches during walking.
Our Treatment of Plantar Fascitis
- Ice and electrical stimulation of the foot relieve pain and inflammation.
- Ultrasound is useful to increase circulation by providing deep penetrating heat
- Neuromuscular therapy and Myofascial motion technique (both deep massage techniques) are used in the chronic stage to bring blood flow to the area, reduce muscle congestion and break up restrictive scar tissue.
- Corrective Exercise and Movement Training: Exercises are used to strengthen and stretch the foot and leg muscles.
- Sensorimotor stimulation: Balance exercise to increase the intelligence of your foot and leg muscles.
- Custom made orthotics are helpful in cases where the function of your foot needs to be compensated for.
- Chiropractic adjustments of the foot create better alignment and take the strain off the foot muscles.