What is Plantar Fasciitis?
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
One of the well-known causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, and many people suffer from it, but it's more prevalent among runners and overweight people.
The plantar fascia is a tissue that links the heel to the toes and runs under the toes of the feet. Plantar fasciitis is painful and affects your mobility, and originates in this region.
Because these ligaments are subjected to so much stress daily, it's not unusual to develop plantar fasciitis symptoms at some time in your life.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation or injury to the plantar fascia, which serves as a shock absorber and is subjected to high torsional loads as a consequence of repetitive activities such as running or jumping.
This fascia may lead to small microscopic rips over time, which, if not properly healed, may deteriorate and become inflammatory.
Your feet support the body in the same manner as a tripod does. Three pressure points help a person stay balanced. You've probably noticed that people prefer to put more pressure on one of these spots than the other two. That's why one side of the shoe seems to get worn before the other.
This puts a greater strain in one direction of the plantar fascia, which is also the region where people are most likely to experience pain. Plantar fasciitis may also be exacerbated by anatomical abnormalities in the foot, such as flat feet, a deep arch, or an irregular gait.
Symptoms
The first sign that anything is amiss is pain starting at the heel and going across the feet' soles. It's inaccurate to say that plantar fasciitis produces pain at the region of the heel alone. Many people suffering from plantar fasciitis may also feel pain in the midsole area.
As the plantar fascia is inflamed, it becomes painful when you try to walk. It's also activated when you're walking greater distances or standing for an extended period.
Similar to when you initially wake up and try to take the first steps, you are likely to have symptoms that may improve after a few minutes when you're on your feet.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment may help reduce the pain caused due to plantar fasciitis. The treatment includes a combination of massages, stretching, and exercises. The chiropractor may use stabilization methods that relieve pressure on the soles. Another popular method for reducing the effect of running on the plantar fascia is an athletic tape, which many long-distance runners already use to protect their feet health.
A chiropractor may suggest the use of ice and heat on the inflamed region. Applying ice may calm the nerves, numb the pain, and start the process of healing. Applying heat to the targeted areas may relax the muscles and stop cramping.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.