When your heels hurt first thing in the morning, and you recognize the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, or even when you don’t know why they hurt, it might not be your first instinct to call your chiropractor. But first instincts can be wrong!
Chiropractic care can help your body fight off many types of pain, including plantar fasciitis. Depending on the additional training they have and their doctorate, many chiropractors can offer relief ranging from basic physical therapy and plantar fasciitis exercises to fitting for orthotic inserts for your shoes. Our practice may also provide the Graston Technique®, a form of soft tissue manipulation that utilizes specific tools designed to help you heal faster.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is often chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament across the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. Because this irritation can be caused by lifestyle or by the structure of the foot, it can often be a chronic or lifelong problem.
The irritation of the plantar fascia most often causes intense pain in the heal that can sometimes be mistaken for bone spurs. When you visit your chiropractor to discuss your heel pain, they may suggest X-rays or even an MRI of the foot to verify the cause of the pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis to Flare Up?
Flare-ups of plantar fasciitis can begin from something as simple as walking wrong. Sounds silly, right? We start walking as toddlers, so how can we do it wrong?
Your chiropractor may evaluate your stride to determine if you are walking on your toes or striking your heel too hard. Dancers, especially ballet and aerobic dancers, and runners often end up with plantar fasciitis because they put too much strain on the wrong part of their foot. Obesity can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, but you can develop the condition without these lifestyle causes.
Doctors say that many people who suffer from plantar fasciitis have a structural deficiency in their foot, such as high arches or flat feet. Regular treatment and the correct shoes can help alleviate flare-ups for those people.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis?
The best treatment for plantar fasciitis is mainly dependent on the cause. If lifestyle issues cause your pain, it might be time to give up ballet dancing or trade your running regime for one in the swimming pool. Wearing shoes with proper support is also crucial to effective treatment.
The Graston Technique® has also been used effectively for more than 20 years to treat a flare-up or chronic inflammation. The technique was developed by David Graston, a former athlete who was frustrated by his recovery time after a knee injury. It focuses on using specially designed stainless steel instruments to identify and treat problematic soft tissue areas.
Doctors certified in the Graston Technique® use the tools to manipulate the muscles around the plantar fascia and stimulate healing. Patients generally experience a faster recovery from a treatment plan incorporating the Graston Technique® than standard chiropractic care alone.
Get Relief from Plantar Fasciitis and Call Now
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and are searching for a holistic pain relief solution, call East Bay Wellness Chiropractic P.C. today and make an appointment. We will evaluate your condition and recommend a course of treatment, which may include Graston Technique® therapy. Our founder, Dr. Martin Marmorale, is one of Nassau County’s only certified Graston Technique® Specialists (GTS). So call (516) 679-2225 today and get on the path to wellness.