Plantar Fasciitis: Recognizing and Treating It
Plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or the middle of the foot. It can affect people at any age, though it's most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. At Anderson Chiropractic, one of the things we specialize in is helping patients in the McMurray area manage the symptoms of plantar fasciitis through various therapeutic techniques. Here's what you need to know about recognizing and treating this condition.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when your plantar fascia ligament, which stretches underneath your foot, becomes inflamed. If you have the condition, you'll probably feel this inflammation as a sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain under your foot, most often in your heel. Some people also report that their plantar fasciitis pain feels dull or achy.
Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worst in the morning, especially when you first get out of bed. The pain tends to dissipate over time as you move around and stretch out the ligament. However, if you sit down or stand still for a while, the pain may flare up when you start walking around again.
Are You at Risk?
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of common issues, including:
- Having high foot arches or flat feet
- Wearing unsupportive shoes
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a job that requires you to stay on your feet
- Running, especially long-distance running
Plantar fasciitis doesn't always have a clear cause, so don't hesitate to seek out treatment for your foot pain, even if you don't have the risk factors listed above.
Getting Lasting Pain Relief from Plantar Fasciitis
Since this condition is the inflammation of a ligament, plantar fasciitis cannot be directly treated by chiropractic care. However, seeing a chiropractor can still help you with pain management and long-term healing. Having the bones in your spine and foot adjusted can help relieve any tension that could be making the pain worse. Other treatments like massage, cold laser therapy, and stretching exercises can also help keep plantar fasciitis symptoms at bay.
If your plantar fasciitis is severe, your doctor may recommend that you be fitted for custom orthotics. This can help give your ligaments a chance to recover.
See a Doctor of Chiropractic Today for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Chiropractic care shouldn't be your only solution for plantar fasciitis, but it can be an excellent addition to your overall plan of care. At Anderson Chiropractic, we can help you heal your plantar fascia ligament through chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage, and strengthening exercises. Call our McMurray office today at 724-946-5044 to make a pain relief appointment or learn more about the conditions we treat at our practice.
