SUFFER FROM PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. When someone has plantar fasciitis they usually experience the pain at the bottom of their foot. This condition is an overuse injury and is commonly seen in the sports world.  The plantar fascia is the fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the calcaneus to the phalanges or in other words the heel of the foot to the toes. The plantar fascia further helps to support the arch of the foot.

HOW DOES ONE GET PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar fasciitis is usually a repetitive stress injury that is due to overuse. Repeatedly stretching the tissue when walking, running or putting other stress through the foot can cause small tears in the fascia. Sports that involve these activities will often have athletes who develop plantar fasciitis. It is likely that the small tears in the fascia lead to inflammation and thickening of the tissue. This inflammation is what initially causes the pain that one suffers on the bottom of the foot.

Sports can put a lot of stress on this area of the foot. As a result the plantar fascia becomes irritated and inflamed. Athletes may then start to experience some pain, however they are likely to continue to play and practice regardless. If an athlete leaves this condition untreated it will usually continue to get worse until it is a chronic issue.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND HOW IT RELATES TO SPORTS

Overuse is the biggest contributing factor to someone developing plantar fasciitis, but there are other factors as well. Hypertonic or tight calf muscles may possibly increase the tension in the bottom of the foot which can lead to one developing plantar fasciitis. Being that it is common for athletes in Fox Chapel to have tight musculature one can see how this condition becomes common in sports. Furthermore a high arch is a factor that can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. High arches are a common trait for athletes to have.

SYMPTOMS EXPERIENCED

Some of the symptoms that one is likely to experience include pain near the heel on the bottom of the foot, pinpoint tenderness in that area, increased pain after exercise, and increased pain when getting out of bed in the morning. The pain may get worse when one points their toes upwards and for some the pain will get better with a few minutes of walking.

HOW IT CAN BE TREATED IN FOX CHAPEL

Plantar fasciitis can be treated through chiropractic and rehabilitative care at The Pittsburgh Chiropractor. Exercises, stretches, soft tissue work, and manipulation are effective at helping patients with plantar fasciitis. Generally the goal of rehabilitation for this condition is to loosen the connective tissue in the area and break up adhesions. Then the athlete is taught stretches to help prevent the condition from happening again. At The Pittsburgh Chiropractor in Fox Chapel we help athletes and non-athletes alike get out of pain from plantar fasciitis. Call us at 412-517-8124!

If you want to learn more about related foot and lower-extremity issues that can overlap with heel pain, you can also review our pages on Leg, Ankle, or Foot Pain and Ankle Sprains, and if symptoms are affecting how you move overall, our Rehabilitation information can help you understand how we structure recovery.

For a mainstream medical overview of plantar fasciitis and typical conservative options, you can compare your symptoms to resources like the Cleveland Clinic’s discussion of plantar fasciitis and the AAOS overview of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.