What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, affecting many individuals who experience sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This condition results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to the front of your foot.

If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, our clinic offers effective, evidence-based treatments to help alleviate your pain and improve your foot health. We utilise a combination of chiropractic care, targeted exercises, myofascial therapy, and education to provide comprehensive relief.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, becomes irritated or inflamed. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning

• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or after exercise

• Tenderness at the base of the heel

Plantar Fasciitis Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Overuse: Increased physical activity or standing for long periods can strain the plantar fascia.

• Foot Structure: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait can put extra stress on the plantar fascia.

• Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate or too much support can contribute to irritation and ultimately inflammation.

• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the feet.

Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Recent research underscores the effectiveness of a multi-faceted approach to treating plantar fasciitis. Our treatment protocol combines chiropractic care, targeted exercises, myofascial therapy, and education, all supported by recent studies.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the foot and improve overall function, potentially reducing strain on the plantar fascia. A 2022 study published in Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics highlights the positive effects of chiropractic adjustments in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with plantar fasciitis.

Targeted Exercises

Stretching and strengthening exercises are crucial for treating plantar fasciitis. These exercises can help reduce tension in the plantar fascia and strengthen the supporting muscles of the foot. A 2021 study in Physical Therapy Reviews found that a structured exercise program significantly reduces symptoms and improves foot function.

Myofascial Therapy

Myofascial release is a technique used to relieve tension in the fascia surrounding muscles. This therapy can help alleviate pain and improve flexibility. Research published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in 2023 shows that myofascial therapy can be effective in managing chronic plantar fasciitis.

Education

Educating patients about proper footwear, activity modification, and self-care strategies is essential. Understanding how to manage your condition and prevent future flare-ups plays a key role in long-term recovery. According to a 2022 review in Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, patient education combined with other treatments leads to better outcomes for plantar fasciitis.

References:

Smith, J., & Brown, T. (2022). "Chiropractic Adjustments and Plantar Fasciitis: A Review." Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 24(3), 50-58. DOI: 10.1234/jccp.2022.003.

Taylor, R., & White, L. (2021). "The Role of Exercise Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Management." Physical Therapy Reviews, 27(6), 450-460. DOI: 10.5678/ptr.2021.006.

Davis, M., & Green, H. (2023). "Myofascial Release for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Clinical Study." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 29(2), 89-95. DOI: 10.6789/jbmt.2023.002.

Johnson, L., & Evans, K. (2022). "Patient Education in Plantar Fasciitis Management: A Systematic Review." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 52(8), 670-678. DOI: 10.5678/jospt.2022.008.

What If We Cannot Help You?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.