Treating Foot/Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially in runners.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. When inflamed, it can cause pain throughout the heel and into the ball of the foot/toes.
Plantar Fasciitis is generally described as stabbing pain in the heel that's worse first thing in the morning or during the first few steps getting out of bed. After moving around or stretching the pain can start to subside but many times returns after long periods of sitting or walking.
The most common causes of plantar fasciitis may include:
- Tight calves that increase tension on the fascia.
- Poor foot mechanics including hyperpronation.
- A rigid big toe that is lacking extension.
- A stiff ankle that lacks the necessary range of motion for gait.
- Poor motor control throughout the hips which puts more demand on the calves and ankles to stabilize.
- Poor training preparation or old worn-out shoes that need to be replaced.
If you think worn-out shoes or training could be the issue we recommend going to a local shoe store that specializes in running such as Fleet Feet, Runners World, or Tulsa Runner for recommendations on good shoes or finding a coach who can personalize your training program.
Treating the physical component of Plantar Fasciitis
The best way to address heel pain is to start with a full exam, we utilize a detailed functional movement screen to find out where the most important dysfunction in the body is, this allows us to address the cause not only the symptoms.
In our practice we utilize several therapies depending on the cause, stretching the calves and hips through soft tissue work can be beneficial, and rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the glutes, hamstrings, calves and plantar fascia itself will generally help us keep the newfound range that stretching opened up.
We will also address rigid ankles through chiropractic adjustments or mobilization techniques. Once the mechanical issues are addressed we can also use techniques such as kinesiotaping, dry needling, and laser therapy to help expedite the healing process and keep it from coming back.
If you're dealing with heel pain that you just haven't been able to fully resolve on your own, schedule today so that we can get you back to doing what you love without pain!
