Your chiropractor can help with plantar fasciitis but using techniques like joint adjustments and advising you on beneficial lifestyle changes and stretching exercises.
It’s a common and painful condition that affects the feet. It occurs when the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse or injury.
Fortunately, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve mobility for those suffering from this condition.
We will discuss how chiropractors treat plantar fasciitis and also cover some home remedies you can use in conjunction with professional treatment for optimal results.
Chiropractor Treatments – Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an incredibly common and painful condition that can be hard to shake.
Fortunately, seeing a chiropractor is an excellent way to treat it. Chiropractors are specialized medical professionals with extensive knowledge of the body and how to best treat it for maximum ease of discomfort and pain.
They use a variety of treatments, such as mechanical adjustments, soft-tissue massage, and other procedures to reduce inflammation and provide immediate relief from plantar fasciitis pain.
Furthermore, chiropractors can address any underlying issues that may be causing the initial discomfort.
Regular visits can help strengthen foot muscles, improve flexibility and mobility in the feet and ankles, realign the spine if necessary, and suggest preventative measures so patients can avoid this issue in the future.
Treatment Options – What to Expect From Your Chiropractor
You may feel a bit nervous if you’ve never visited a chiropractor or experienced PF. Below, you’ll find more than enough information to help ease your mind and prepare you for likely outcomes.
Spinal/Extremity Adjustments
Chiropractors can realign the spine and other extremities with manual adjustments. Corrections help to improve posture and reduce inflammation in areas that may be putting pressure on the plantar fascia.
Soft Tissue Therapy May Be Helpful
Soft-tissue therapy and massage techniques may reduce inflammation and tension in the plantar fascia. These therapies help to increase blood flow, promote relaxation of the muscles, and reduce stiffness and discomfort.
Orthotics
Your professional can supply orthotics, which are special shoe inserts designed to provide additional support for your feet and reduce the pressure on the plantar fascia.
These inserts can be custom-made to fit your feet perfectly and ensure maximum comfort while you’re walking or standing.
Rehabilitation Stretches and Exercises
Exercises and stretches help strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles. This helps to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion, making it easier for you to move around.
Adjustments
They can adjust the feet and ankles to improve mobility and reduce pain. Manipulating joints is particularly effective for those with a limited range of motion due to plantar fasciitis.
Joint Adjustments in Different Areas
The surrounding joints, such as the hip and knee, may also be affected due to plantar fasciitis. Chiropractors can perform adjustments on these joints to reduce any discomfort that may be present.
They Can Help Relax Your Muscles
Chiropractors can also use muscle relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the feet, ankles, and surrounding areas – which can help improve flexibility while reducing pain caused by the condition.
Your Stride or Posture May Be the Problem
If you have poor posture or an abnormal gait, such as overpronation, this can put added strain on the plantar fascia and cause pain. Chiropractors can assess your posture and gait and provide corrective exercises and adjustments to reduce pressure on the foot.
Give Helpful Lifestyle Tips
Chiropractors can provide lifestyle advice to help you reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This may include advice on proper footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises, or other preventative measures.
Plantar Fasciitis – Conservative Treatments
If the idea of aggressively treating your PF leaves a sour taste in your mouth, some more conservative plays are at your disposal. Talk to your chiropractor about exploring some of these ideas.
RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
The most important part of treating plantar fasciitis is rest. This means avoiding activities that may be causing pain, such as running and jumping. Additionally, icing the area can help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
Stretching
Stretching exercises can help to increase flexibility in the feet and reduce tension on the plantar fascia. This may include stretching the calf muscles, toe stretches, and arch-strengthening exercises.
Change Your Shoes
Changing your footwear or using orthotics can help to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and promote healthy foot posture.
NSAIDs
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help to reduce inflammation and pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Wear Night Splints
Night splints can also help to reduce pain by keeping the foot in a neutral position and preventing the plantar fascia from tightening up overnight.
Orthotic Inserts
Custom-made orthotics can provide additional arch support and cushioning to the feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Physical Therapy Can Be Huge
Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the feet and ankles, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. This may include ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, or water exercises.
An Overview of Plantar Fasciitis
PF is an inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition can cause severe and persistent pain in your feet when you walk or stand.
While it typically affects people over 40, athletes and those who wear shoes that offer little support can also develop plantar fasciitis.
The most common treatments for this condition are stretching and wearing supportive shoes, but medications, injections, or custom orthotics may also be recommended in some cases.
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive stress on the plantar fascia. This can include activities like running or walking, wearing shoes that are not supportive enough, and having tight calf muscles or weak foot muscles.
Being overweight can also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis as the extra weight strains the foot.
Certain medical conditions, such as flat feet or arthritis, can make you more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list, and remember there could be more than one thing.
Overuse Is a Primary Culprit
Overuse is another common cause of plantar fasciitis. This may include starting an exercise routine too quickly or overdoing it at the gym.
It can also be caused by running on hard surfaces or standing for long periods without taking regular breaks to rest your feet.
Overly Tight Muscles
Tight calf muscles put added strain on the feet. To reduce the tension on your legs, it’s important to regularly stretch your calves and make sure you’re wearing supportive shoes that provide enough cushioning for your feet.
Poor Arch Support
Wearing shoes that don’t offer enough support can also lead to plantar fasciitis. Shoes should have good arch support and cushioning, especially when doing activities such as running or playing sports.
Being Overweight
Obesity can also be a risk factor for plantar fasciitis as the extra weight strains the feet. Maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
Older People Are More at Risk
Age is also a factor, as the risk of developing plantar fasciitis increases.
As we get older, our feet start to lose strength and flexibility, which can lead to tension in the plantar fascia. Take extra care of your feet if you are over 40, and be mindful of the activities you’re doing to prevent injury.
Preexisting Foot Condition
People with flat feet, or “fallen arches”, have reduced arch support, and the extra strain can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Those with high arches are also at risk for this condition as their feet are more likely to roll inward when they walk, putting additional stress on the plantar fascia.
Repetitive Activities
Specific activities may also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Running on hard surfaces, running for long distances, or engaging in high-impact sports such as basketball and tennis can lead to PF.
Listen to your body and take frequent breaks when doing any physical activity that strains the feet.
The Best Stretches for Plantar Fasciitis
Stretching is one of the best things you can do to recover from plantar fasciitis. Here’s our list of the best ones you can do for your condition. The importance of keeping muscles relaxed cannot be overstated.
Calf Stretching
Calf stretches can help to reduce the tension in your calf muscles and help to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis.
Stand facing a wall with one foot outstretched behind you to do this stretch. Lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch along the back of your lower leg, and hold for 10-15 seconds before repeating on the other side.
The PF Stretch
To stretch the plantar fascia directly, sit on a chair and place your foot out in front of you with your toes pointed up.
Take one hand and press down gently on your foot while using the other to pull back on your toes. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds before releasing.
Try Stretching Your Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is connected to the plantar fascia and can become tight when calcium deposits form around the tendon. Stand on a step with your foot hanging off the edge to stretch this muscle. Lower your heel slowly until you feel a comfortable stretch along the back of your calf. Hold for 10-15 seconds before releasing.
The Towel Stretch Is Worth a Shot
This is an easy stretch that can be done anywhere. Place a towel on the floor and sit in a straddled position with your toes pointed toward each other.
Put one foot over the top of the towel and use it to pull your foot towards you until you feel a gentle stretch along the bottom of your foot.
Pick Up Some Marbles
This one is a great way to strengthen the muscles in your feet and help them become more flexible. Place a handful of marbles on the floor and use your toes to pick them up, one at a time. This exercise can also be done with other small objects, such as coins or beans.
Plantar Fasciitis – Home Remedies and Treatments
Your medical team can’t do everything. One thing that will be the difference between a fast recovery and a slow one is how proactive you are with recovery outside of your chiropractor’s office.
Chill Out
Applying ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 15 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Up Your Footwear Game
Wearing shoes that provide arch support, cushioning, and flexibility can help to reduce strain on your feet and prevent plantar fasciitis from worsening.
Stretch Those Arches
Doing stretches that target the muscles in your feet can help to reduce tension and improve mobility.
More Treatment Options
In case none of the above of working for you, you can use these ideas. But some of them are a last resort.
Take Painkillers
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgery
Surgery or other procedures may sometimes be necessary to treat plantar fasciitis. These include extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), steroid injections, and even Botox injections.
Bad Habits You Should Stop
Ask anyone who has dealt with this condition. They’ll tell you it’s better never to have it rather than have it and do whatever is necessary to make it disappear. Here’s how to keep it from happening to you.
Holding Too Much Weight
Being overweight puts extra strain on the plantar fascia, worsening symptoms.
Wearing Low-Quality Shoes
Wearing shoes without adequate arch and cushioning support can increase stress on your feet and may worsen plantar fasciitis.
Standing/Sitting Way Too Much
Sitting or standing for long periods can cause the plantar fascia to become tense and painful. Take regular breaks to move around and stretch your feet throughout the day.
Inaction
Ignoring pain and discomfort can make plantar fasciitis worse. If you feel any pain or discomfort, take a break from the activity and seek professional medical attention.
Neglecting Feet Strengthening Routines
Stretching and strengthening the muscles in your feet can help reduce tension and improve mobility.
FAQ
Would a chiropractor help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, a chiropractor can help with plantar fasciitis by providing manual manipulation to reduce tension and pain in the affected area. They may also recommend custom orthotics or other treatments that may be beneficial for your condition.
What is the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis?
Rest is usually the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis. Taking a break from activities that put a strain on your feet can help reduce inflammation and give the tissues enough time to heal.
Can chiropractors help with feet pain?
Yes, chiropractors can help with foot pain by assessing the condition of your feet and providing manual manipulation to reduce tension and discomfort.
What are 2 methods to help treat plantar fasciitis?
Two methods to help treat plantar fasciitis include rest and applying ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 15 minutes several times a day.
Podiatrist or chiropractor for foot pain?
It depends on the cause of the foot pain. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat conditions related to the feet, such as bunions or deformities.
A chiropractor may be more beneficial for joint manipulation and alignment conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.
Physical therapy or chiropractor for plantar fasciitis?
Physical therapy is usually the recommended treatment for plantar fasciitis. A physical therapist can provide stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and reduce tension in the affected area.
A chiropractor may also be beneficial as they can provide manual manipulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
