What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Raise your hand if you have Plantar Fasciitis.  Ok, that is quite a few hands.  I know, I can’t really see you raise your hand, but I am confident that A LOT of people suffer from it.  In fact, it is the #1 foot issue we see at our Schuler Shoes store locations.  Personally, I have suffered from it, so I know how incredibly painful and frustrating it can be to deal with it.  We partner with hundreds of doctors in the Twin Cities and St Cloud area and love when they share their knowledge with us.  Today, Dr. William Norlin a Twins Cities chiropractor explains what Plantar Fasciitis is and the kind of care you might expect to get when you visit a chiropractor.

Plantar Fasciitis is a syndrome that involves the muscles and tendons of the bottom of the foot.  Anatomically, the top of the foot is called the dorsum, and the bottom of the foot is called the plantar surface.  The muscles of the bottom of the foot flex the toes, or scrunch the toes.  The top muscles of the foot extend the toes.  Sometimes the bottom muscles of the foot get inflamed, and this can lead to plantar fasciitis.

Fasciitis refers to inflammation of the fascia.  The fascia are the soft tissues and the spaces between them.  The soft tissues include:  muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  Due to the fact that people are on their feet all the time, can lead to inflammation of these soft tissues.

Plantar fasciitis is common in professions where people spend extended time on their feet such as waiters, cooks, factory workers, nurses, doctors, chiropractors, construction workers and retail clerks.  Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is sports and recreational activities.  Runners are the most likely athletes to suffer from plantar fasciitis.  Other sports that often lead to plantar fasciitis are:  basketball, tennis, soccer and track.  The common thread with all of these activities is overuse of the plantar surface of your foot, leading to inflammation.

Chiropractors will see this condition often in their clinics.  It is a condition that is easily diagnosed and has many different treatment options.  Some options include passive care such as:  ultrasound therapy, electromuscle stimulation, low level laser treatment (cold laser), massage therapy, ice or cyrotherapy and chiropractic adjustments of the foot, ankle, knee, low back and spine.  Taping, orthotics and quality shoes that support your foot allowing less suppination and pronation are also helpful treatments.

One of the most important things with any injury is prevention.  Plantar fasciitis is certainly a condition that can be easily prevented.  Quality shoes, stretches and understanding plantar fasciitis and its causes can go a long way to preventing this pesky condition.  Athletes, certain professions and overweight people should take special precautions to avoid developing plantar fasciitis.

Your chiropractor can recommend home treatments such as:  icing the bottom of your foot, massaging the bottom of your foot with a golf ball or frozen water bottle, taping the arch of your foot, purchasing and maintaining good orthopedic shoes, exercises for your foot and ankle, using orthotics and/or complete rest if your injury is acute.

Common chiropractic adjustments for the foot would include adjustments of:  the talus, the cuboid, the metatarsals and the cuniforms.  Also adjustments of the knee, low back and spine can be helpful in resolving your foot pain.