Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Q&A

​​​​​​​What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes a stabbing pain in your heels after the ligament (fascia) that runs across the bottom of each foot becomes inflamed. This ligament connects your toes to your heel bone and supports your arch, so when it becomes weakened and irritated, there is usually immediate pain. Plantar Fasciitis is usually a result of excessive heel strain and tension placed on the fascia ligament.

A lot of adults are a risk of suffering from this condition ranging from athletes to people who stand on their feet all day. Being overweight is also a risk factor.

Holistic treatments at Indian Harbor Chiropractic can relieve plantar fasciitis discomfort.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The most common symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis include:

• Severe heel pain
• Dull, aching heel discomfort
• Stabbing pain
• Pain in the morning
• Pain with long periods of standing
• Discomfort when you get up from sitting
• Pain that gets worse after exercise

Complications that may occur with untreated plantar fasciitis include ongoing heel pain, as well as knee, hip, or back discomfort. If you suspect plantar fasciitis or another foot problem because of heel pain, see Dr. Gailes for an evaluation.

What are the risk factors for plantar fasciitis?

Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but some factors boost your risk of getting it. Examples include:

• Overtraining
• Wear and tear
• Being age 40-60
• Intense exercise
• Long-distance running
• Naturally tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
• Ballet dancing
• Aerobic dancing
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Abnormal walking patterns
• Being overweight
• Being on your feet a lot
• The wrong footwear

Occupations that require being on your feet often include teaching, working in a factory, and food service.

How does my provider diagnose plantar fasciitis?

To diagnose plantar fasciitis and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Gailes discusses your symptoms and medical history. She examines your feet and assesses your pain levels and mobility. Dr. Gailes could recommend undergoing X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures. Once plantar fasciitis is diagnoed as the cause of your foot pain, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to get you on the road to complete recovery.

What are common plantar fasciitis treatments?

Common treatments for plantar fasciitis pain include:

Chiropractic adjustments

Dr. Gailes offers a variety of innovative chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve pressure and muscle tension, and realign your spine.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Custom orthotics

Dr. Gailes uses laser technology to develop custom-fitted orthotics that fit your feet perfectly and reduce plantar fasciitis pain. At Indian Harbor Chiropractic you can find the best orthotics for plantar fasciitis.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Noninvasive extracorporeal shock wave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate tissue healing and reduce plantar fasciitis pain naturally.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do at home to reduce plantar fasciitis discomfort include maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, wearing comfortable shoes, and using ice or heat packs. Stretch your foot arches and wear night splints if Dr. Gailes recommends it.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy strengthens tissues in your feet to reduce discomfort and your risk of future problems.

Begin with chiropractic care today

Don’t live with plantar fasciitis discomfort when you don’t have to. Call the Indian Harbor Chiropractic office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
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