Plantar Fasciitis
Chiropractic treatment relieve the tension from the bottom of the foot, easing the pain of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a think band of connective tissue that connects the base of the heel and the heel bone (calcaneus) to the bones in the front of the foot (metatarsals). The purpose of the plantar fascia is to support the arch of the foot, in a similar way to the string supporting the curvature of the bow of an archer.
Plantar fasciitis is an intense pain on the sole of the foot and around the heel, this pain is due to micro damage of the plantar fascia, causing inflammation, pain, thickening of the soft tissue and changes to the heel bone.
Plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning and after a period of rest, it can be made worse by a tight Achilles tendon. If the plantar fasciitis has occurred in conjunction with a heel bone spur, chiropractic treatment can ease the plantar fasciitis, however the bone spur will remain.
Rest and stretching exercises can help to resolve some cases of plantar fasciitis, majority of cases will need the help of a professional to ease the pain. Chiropractic treatment improves the biomechanics of the foot, improving the alignment and function of the joints in the ankle and the arch of the foot, will ease the pressure the plantar fascia is under allowing it to heal. To support the plantar fascia and improve healing supporting tape may be used.
Goals of Chiropractic Care The main goals of chiropractic care in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis include:
- Reduce pain
- Improve function of the arch
- Release tension of the plantar fascia
- Stimulate nerves