Oh, My Aching Foot!
Not a week goes by without an office visit from a patient or two expounding “Please heal my aching foot!” Many people begin their morning by wincing from the pain of plantar fasciitis, described by some as the sensation of walking on broken glass. On top of this pain is the fact that plantar fasciitis is a condition that may not always respond well to traditional treatment methods. The plantar fascia is the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes swollen or inflamed, it is called plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult. You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you: have foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches); run long distances, downhill or on uneven surfaces; are overweight or gain weight suddenly; have a tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel); or wear shoes with poor arch support or soft soles. Plantar fasciitis is seen in both men and women. However, it most often affects active men ages 40 to 70. It is one of the most common orthopedic foot complaints. Plantar fasciitis was commonly thought to be caused by a heel spur. However, research has found that this is not the case. On X-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is sometimes caused by a sudden increase in repetitive stress activities, such as running or cycling; or standing for long periods of time in poor shoes. With the lack of success in traditional medical treatments, chiropractic care has become a leading option for those suffering with the condition.
At Murphy Chiropractic Health Center we use a gentle, low-force adjusting technique to correct the misalignments in the foot that are the root cause of plantar fasciitis. Though there is no single treatment protocol for any injury that works one hundred percent of the time, most patients experience relief from their pain beginning with their first chiropractic visit. After examing the specifics of your condition, we may suggest additional treatment such as stretching of the calf muscles, custom orthotics, arch or heel supports, modifying activities or losing weight. Remember, those who delay seeking treatment are more likely to prolong the road to recovery. Busy parents, athletes, weekend warriors, golfers, runners - really anyone can benefit a great deal from routine chiropractic care. Call our office today to schedule your initial exam and consultation!
