According to the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association, the average person takes over 8,000 steps throughout the course of a day. With that in mind, it’s no wonder so many of us experience some type of foot pain throughout our busy, active lives.
Plantar fasciitis is one such foot condition that is very common and can be extremely painful. Thankfully, chiropractic modalities have been shown to be a highly effective means of treatment among our patients at Spine and Joint Group.
Plantar fasciitis is caused when the ligament that connects your toes to you heel (known as the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, swollen and weak. This causes the bottom of your foot or heel to hurt when you walk or stand, especially in the morning when you first wake up or after sitting for a prolonged period of time. While most common among middle-aged individuals, anyone can get it at any age. In fact, I have seen cases of high school distance runners afflicted with this condition.
Most people complain of an intense stabbing pain in the heel, which eases off as they hobble around for a few steps. Usually only one foot is affected at a given time.
During our detailed physical exam, we first rule out other sources of pain such as a stress fracture or bone spur. Sometimes MRIs or X-rays are requested.
We also look for possible alignment issues and analyze your posture and gait in order to identify possible triggers for this condition. Our goal is not only treatment but also prevention.
Treatment requires specialized adjustments to the feet and ankles. We use laser therapy, infra-red, electric stimulation and ultrasound as needed. Stretching exercises for the achilles tendon are sometimes recommended to relieve the strain on the plantar fascia. Some of our patients also require orthotic arch supports to help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
It is important to note that there is no “one size fits all” formula when it comes to chiropractic treatment, but in many cases, our individualized approach is able to vastly improve a patient’s quality of life and help them heal.
For more information on Eastchester Spine and Joint Group, visit www.spineandjointgroup.com or call 914-779-5800.
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