Plantar Fasciitis Treatment at Our Office

At HealthyWays Integrated Wellness Solutions, we are committed to helping our patients lead pain-free, active lives. One of the most common foot conditions we treat is plantar fasciitis, a painful condition affecting the heel and arch of the foot. If you’re struggling with heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of standing, our chiropractic care and holistic therapies can provide effective, long-lasting relief.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot—becomes inflamed or irritated. This ligament connects the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch of the foot. Overuse, repetitive stress, or strain can cause small tears in the fascia, leading to pain and stiffness, especially near the heel.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Heel pain: A sharp, stabbing pain near the heel that is usually worse upon waking up.
• Morning stiffness: Many individuals experience severe pain during the first steps after getting out of bed.
• Pain after long periods of rest: Sitting for a long time can cause the fascia to tighten, making it painful to stand again.
• Swelling in the heel or arch: Some patients experience visible swelling along the bottom of the foot.
• Discomfort during physical activity: The pain may intensify after exercise or prolonged standing but can ease during movement.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Several factors can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including:

• Overuse or repetitive motion: Running, walking long distances, or working on your feet for hours.
• Improper footwear: Shoes with poor arch support or flat soles.
• Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns.
• Tight calf muscles: Reduced flexibility in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can strain the fascia.
• Age and weight: Middle-aged adults and individuals with excess body weight are at higher risk.

By understanding the underlying causes, our chiropractors create personalized treatment plans to prevent recurrence and promote recovery.

Chiropractic Approach to Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractic care is highly effective for plantar fasciitis, as it treats the root cause of the condition rather than merely addressing the symptoms. Our chiropractors focus on restoring proper alignment in the foot, ankle, and lower body to reduce tension in the plantar fascia. Here are some of the key chiropractic techniques we use:

• Foot and Ankle Adjustments: Misalignments in the bones of the foot or ankle can place extra strain on the plantar fascia. We use gentle manual adjustments to restore alignment, reduce tension, and improve mobility. These adjustments also enhance blood flow to the affected area, speeding up the healing process.
• Spinal and Hip Alignment: Issues in the spine, hips, or knees can alter your gait, contributing to plantar fasciitis. Our chiropractors perform full-body assessments and correct any imbalances that may be affecting your posture or movement patterns. A properly aligned body reduces the risk of reinjury and promotes better weight distribution.

Complementary Therapies for Plantar Fasciitis

We take a multidisciplinary approach to plantar fasciitis, incorporating several complementary therapies alongside chiropractic adjustments to maximize results.

• Soft Tissue Therapy and Myofascial Release: Soft tissue therapy targets the tightness and knots in the muscles and fascia. Techniques like myofascial release help relieve tension in the foot, calf, and Achilles tendon, which are often involved in plantar fasciitis. This therapy promotes flexibility and reduces the buildup of scar tissue.
• Class IV Laser Therapy (Coming Soon!): Class IV laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to promote cellular healing and reduce inflammation. It’s particularly effective for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, helping alleviate pain and enhance tissue repair.
• Shockwave Therapy: For severe or persistent cases, we may recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). This innovative treatment delivers pulses of energy to the fascia, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and promoting blood circulation.
• Kinesiology Taping: Kinesiology tape offers additional support to the foot, reducing strain on the fascia while still allowing movement. It can also help correct foot mechanics, offering relief during daily activities and sports.
• Custom Orthotics and Footwear Recommendations: Wearing the wrong footwear can aggravate plantar fasciitis. We provide custom orthotics to support your arches, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on the fascia. Our experts also recommend shoes designed for your specific foot structure and activity level.

The Importance of Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Stretching and strengthening are key components of our treatment plans for plantar fasciitis. These exercises target the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and foot muscles, enhancing flexibility and preventing future strain on the plantar fascia. Our chiropractors will guide you through these exercises and create a personalized stretching routine to complement your treatment plan.

Here are a few exercises we recommend:

• Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall, place one foot behind the other, and gently lean forward to stretch the calf muscle.
• Towel Stretch: Sit down and use a towel to pull the toes toward you, stretching the plantar fascia.
• Toe Curls: Use your toes to pick up small objects, like marbles or towels, to strengthen foot muscles.
• Rolling Massage: Roll a frozen water bottle under your foot to massage the fascia and reduce inflammation.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you come to HealthyWays Integrated Wellness Solutions, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, gait analysis, and physical examination of the foot and lower body. Our goal is to relieve your pain, improve your mobility, and prevent future flare-ups by addressing the root causes of your condition. This helps us pinpoint the underlying causes of your plantar fasciitis and determine the most effective treatment strategy. Your customized treatment plan may involve:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Soft tissue therapy
• Laser or shockwave therapy
• Orthotic recommendations
• A guided exercise program

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

Preventing plantar fasciitis requires maintaining proper foot health and alignment. Here are some tips for preventing this condition:

• Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning, especially if you stand for long periods.
• Stretch Regularly: Incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine to keep your calf muscles and fascia flexible.
• Manage Your Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the feet.
• Avoid Overtraining: Increase physical activity gradually to avoid overuse injuries.
• Use Orthotics if Needed: Custom orthotics can provide extra support if you have flat feet or high arches.

Our team is here to help you with lifestyle recommendations that reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis again.

Why Choose Us?

We take pride in providing holistic, patient-centered care. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or other musculoskeletal conditions, we focus on finding the root cause of your discomfort and delivering targeted treatments that fit your lifestyle. What sets us apart?

• Experienced chiropractors specializing in foot and musculoskeletal health.
• Comprehensive, integrative care that combines chiropractic, soft tissue therapy, and advanced treatments.
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
• Patient education and ongoing support to keep you healthy and active.