Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spur
The Plantar fascia is a fan-shaped, strong band of connective tissue which holds the foot bones and joints in place and attaches from the heel bone to the ball of the foot.
One of the main roles our Chiropractors aim to achieve is to keep the bones and joints in position and enables us to push off from the ground. Bruising or over-stretching of this connective tissue can cause inflammation and heel pain. In many cases, plantar fasciitis is associated with a heel spur. Pain is usually felt under the foot in front of the heel and tends to be worse when you first get out of bed.
Heel spurs tend to occur over a very long period of time (many months and even years). They are often found as incidental findings even before the presentation of pain. They occur from overly tight structures such as the plantar fascia, ligaments and muscles which pull on the heel bone (the calcaneus) where they attach. It is also associated with activities such as running, walking and jogging when these structures are not elastic enough and people may complain of having chronic intermittent heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis & heel spurs has a higher prevalence in:
- Middle aged & Older
- Flat-footed or high arches
- Constant aggravation through running or always standing
- Road Runners
- Overload through extra weight
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
The George St Chiropractic Team’s treatment is aimed at restoring the elasticity to the tight structures and correcting any foot, ankle and knee mechanics. We use deep tissue massage and functional active release to lengthen the Achilles tendon, the muscles of the calf, plantar fascia and deep muscles of the foot. Part of the recovery and rehabilitation of plantar fascia is to restore optimal biomechanics of the foot, ankle and lower limb to minimise further aggravation or injury. This is achieved by joint mobilisation and exercise therapy. In some cases sports tape is used to support the arch and occasionally an orthotic may be recommended.
People usually respond very quickly. We will advise you on how to avoid recurrence. The main aim will be to:
- Decrease pain and inflammation
- Identify and minimise mechanical dysfunction
- Strengthen the small muscles of the foot to stabilise arch
- Remain compliant with home-stretching techniques