By Dr Maddy Witt (Chiropractor)

 

Have you ever experienced long standing, sharp, heel pain that’s worse with the first few steps in the morning?

If you have, chances are you may have suffered from a condition called plantar fasciitis.

 

This is the most common cause of heel pain! It can occur in anyone but generally presents in those aged between 40-60 years or those that are highly active and involved in repetitive movements such as running.  It may develop on one foot or both and can be extremely painful and debilitating.

 

So, what is plantar fasciitis?

 

Let’s break it down.

 

Fascia is a type of connective tissue. Its job is to hold bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments together. The word plantar refers to the bottom or the sole of the foot.

 

In medical terminology, the suffix ‘itis’ means inflammation.

 

If we put it together, plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel bone to your toes. It helps support the arch of the foot and contributes to shock absorption when weight bearing. If it becomes inflamed or irritated, plantar fasciitis results.

 

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury. Common causes include: being overweight, poor lower limb or foot biomechanics, flat feet or tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

 

90% of cases are treated successfully with conservative care. This includes chiro!! Chiropractors use a range of strategies such as: ice, taping, muscle stripping, stretching, joint mobilisations, calf strengthening and personalised rehab programs to correct movements of the lower limb.

 

It is important to seek proper treatment for this condition as it loves to hang around. The average episode of heal pain lasts more than 6 months. And who wants to be in chronic pain? Addressing the underlying cause, correcting biomechanics and treating symptoms is crucial to getting you back to doing what you love.

 

 

References:

  1.  Schepsis AA, Leach RE, GOUYCA J. Plantar fasciitis: etiology, treatment, surgical results, and review of the literature. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (1976-2007). 1991 May 1;266:185-96.
  2.  Lopes AD, Hespanhol LC, Yeung SS, Costa LO. What are the main running-related musculoskeletal injuries? A systematic review. Sports medicine. 2012 Oct;42:891-905.
  3. Buchanan BK, Kushner D. Plantar fasciitis. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431073/