Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and How Chiropractic Care Offers Relief

Do you dread standing up first thing in the morning because your feet hurt? You might wonder what’s causing this and, more importantly, how to stop it! The cause could be plantar fasciitis. It’s a common foot condition, and it’s very painful.  Let’s look at what causes plantar fasciitis and explore ways to get back on your feet pain-free.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. This tissue is like the shock absorber for your foot, supporting the arch and playing an important role in your ability to walk, run, and jump. When this band gets overworked or stressed, it can lead to tiny tears and inflammation. This results in sharp, stabbing pain, especially near the heel. 

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis (and Other Foot Pain)

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Let’s break down some of the most common causes:

1. Overuse: If you’re on your feet a lot, especially on hard surfaces, your plantar fascia can become overstressed. There are a lot of runners in The Woodlands, Texas, where our practice is located. Among long-distance runners, there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll develop this condition at some point. It’s also prevalent among people whose jobs require a lot of standing or walking.
2. Foot Structure: The natural structure of your foot can play a significant role in whether you develop plantar fasciitis. People with flat feet or high arches are more prone to plantar fasciitis because their feet don’t distribute pressure evenly.
3. Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t offer adequate support can worsen the problem. High heels, flip-flops with no support, and worn-out shoes, especially for runners, can all lead to plantar fasciitis. 
4. Activity Changes: A sudden increase in physical activity can cause the condition to onset. This might include starting a new workout routine or a new job that requires standing for long periods.
5. Tight Legs: Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can increase stress on your plantar fascia, making it more susceptible to injury.
6. Being Overweight: Added weight strains your joints and puts more pressure on your feet, causing the muscles and tendons to spread, leading to pain and conditions like plantar fasciitis.

What Does Plantar Fasciitis Feel Like?

The most telltale sign of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Here are some other symptoms to keep an eye out for:

• Heel Pain: A stabbing or throbbing pain in the heel, which can extend into the arch of the foot.
• Stiffness: Your foot may feel stiff, especially after long periods of inactivity.
• Pain After Activity: While the pain might subside during exercise, it can come back shortly after. 
• Tenderness: Pressing on the bottom of your heel might feel tender or sore as if you’re pushing on a bruise.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing plantar fasciitis typically involves visiting a healthcare provider, which could be a primary care physician, chiropractor, foot doctor (podiatrist), or sports medicine specialist. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnosis process:

1. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and activity levels to better understand what might be causing your pain.
2. Physical Exam: This involves checking your foot for areas of tenderness and observing your foot mechanics and gait.
3. Imaging Tests: While not always necessary, an X-ray or MRI might be used to rule out other issues, such as stress fractures or heel spurs.

Chiropractic Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

At Village Chiropractic, we develop a non-invasive treatment plan based on each patient’s needs, helping them manage and alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Let’s take a closer look at two of our most effective treatment options: cold laser therapy and MyACT.

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), involves using low-intensity lasers to stimulate healing in the affected area. Here’s how it works and why it’s beneficial:

• Pain Reduction: The laser helps reduce pain by decreasing inflammation and promoting cellular repair.
• Non-Invasive: This treatment is painless and doesn’t require any incisions or needles.
• Quick Sessions: Treatments are typically short, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.
• Accelerated Healing: Cold laser therapy can speed the process by enhancing blood flow and cellular activity.

MyACT (Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy) is another fantastic option for treating plantar fasciitis. This therapy uses sound waves to target and treat the affected areas. Here’s why MyACT might be a game-changer for you:

• Precision Targeting: The sound waves can precisely target the damaged tissues, providing effective pain relief.
• Improved Blood Flow: MyACT helps increase blood circulation to the affected area, promoting faster healing.
• Pain Management: This therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve your overall foot function.
• Non-Surgical: Like cold laser therapy, MyACT is non-invasive, making it a great alternative to surgery or injections.

Both of these work best when you also give your feet some rest from the activities that caused the condition to flare up. You may need to find other ways to exercise while your feet are healing, including swimming or other low-impact activities. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Your Feet

Choosing chiropractic care for your plantar fasciitis comes with a host of benefits that can make a real difference in your recovery journey:

1. Holistic Approach: We don’t just treat the symptoms; we look at the bigger picture to address underlying issues and prevent future problems.
2. Customized Treatment Plans: Every patient is unique, and so is our approach. We tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
3. Non-Invasive Treatments: Our therapies, like cold laser therapy and MyACT, are non-invasive, meaning no surgery, no needles, and no long recovery times.
4. Drug-Free Pain Management: Avoid the side effects and dependencies associated with pain medications. Our treatments help manage pain naturally.
5. Quick Relief and Recovery: Many patients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, allowing them to return to their daily activities sooner. When you get back to your routine, be sure you have proper footwear.

Village Chiropractic's mission is to help you live your best, pain-free life. We understand how debilitating plantar fasciitis can feel, and we’re here to provide you with the best care and support on your road to recovery.

Make the Next Step in Your Chiropractic Care 

If plantar fasciitis is causing you pain and hindering your daily activities, it’s time to take action. Even if you’ve already visited with another doctor, it’s worth a consultation with our chiropractors to see what can be done without using drugs as part of the therapy. Our experienced team at Village Chiropractic is ready to help you find relief and get back to doing what you love.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment at our location in Alden Bridge in The Woodlands. Discover how our chiropractic treatments can improve your life. Let’s work together to put that spring back in your step!