Plantar fasciitis 101

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects more than 2 million Americans. Though common, without early intervention and treatment, the condition can worsen, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer. Conservative treatments like chiropractic care and custom orthotics may be able to help. We’ve developed this brief guide to better explain the condition and your options for treatment.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from your heel to your toes, develops small tears. Over time, these tears become irritated and inflamed. Each time you stand up or take a step, the inflammation flares up, resulting in pain and difficulty walking.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Persistent heel pain
• Heel pain that’s worse after lying down or sitting
• Heel pain that interferes with your ability to walk, stand or exercise
• Heel pain that occurs following exercise

Who is at risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages and genders, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged or older
• Being obese
• Participating in sports that place pressure on your heel, like sprinting or long-distance running
• Working a job that requires you to stay on your feet

Foot mechanics also play a role. For example, you’re more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you have an underlying foot problem like flat feet, high arches or an abnormal gait.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Only a healthcare professional, like a doctor of chiropractic (DC), can diagnose plantar fasciitis. To pinpoint the source of your discomfort, your DC physically examines your feet and heels and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity and if any activities like exercise make them worse. If these measures don’t provide enough insight, your DC might also order X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan to get a closer look at the hard and soft tissues in your feet.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Doctors of chiropractic treat plantar fasciitis using conservative, noninvasive means. For example, you might benefit from icing and stretching your feet or modifying your exercise routine. If your symptoms persist or fail to improve, your DC might recommend custom orthotics.

If you’re tired of experiencing heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, don’t wait to make an appointment with a DC in your area. To find one, use our FREE online search tool. Click here.