Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the bottom of the foot, sometimes at the heel and sometimes at the ball of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. While it can be a painful condition, chiropractic care can offer effective relief and improve your overall well-being.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis often results from overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper footwear. Symptoms typically include pain on the bottom of the foot, especially in the morning upon waking, or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Foot Pain
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system as well as the mobility of the joints in the rest of the body, including the feet. Chiropractors can help restore proper function to the body and movement of the joint which can reduce pain. Here’s how chiropractic care can benefit those with plantar fasciitis:
- Improved foot joint mobility: The 26 bones in the feet need proper movement and chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper alignment and movement, which can reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- Reduced muscle tension: Tight calf muscles can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Chiropractic techniques can help relax these muscles and improve flexibility.
- Enhanced nerve function: The nervous system plays a crucial role in pain perception and healing. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve nerve function and reduce pain signals.
- Improved biomechanics: By addressing spinal misalignments as well as joint movement in the foot, chiropractic care can help improve the overall biomechanics of the foot and ankle, reducing stress on the plantar fascia.
Home Care Tips
In addition to chiropractic care, there are several home care tips that can help manage plantar fasciitis:
- Rest and ice: Resting the affected foot and applying heat and ice can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Stretching exercises: Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility.
- Supportive footwear: Wearing supportive shoes with good arch support can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotics can provide additional support and cushioning for the feet.
Foot pain and plantar fasciitis don’t have to keep you down. Call Affinity Chiropractic and Dr. Jane Bigby today to see how chiropractic care could help keep you on your feet.