Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the foot and often makes everyday movements, such as walking, painful. Most prioritize finding relief as soon as possible so they can return to their routine in comfort.
The good news is that those suffering from plantar fasciitis can achieve long-term relief and manage symptoms through chiropractic treatments and other natural at-home solutions.
This post goes over:
- What plantar fasciitis is
- Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
- How to naturally treat plantar fasciitis at home
- Chiropractic methods to treat plantar fasciitis
- And more
If you have foot discomfort and think plantar fasciitis is the culprit, read on to learn more about the condition and how you can find natural relief right now (without running to the medicine cabinet).
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of soft tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the toes to the heel. The tissue is integral to proper foot function, helping us walk and supporting the foot’s arch.
Plantar fasciitis results when the plantar fascia is put under too much pressure and becomes inflamed or strained.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Heel pain: sharp or stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel is the most characteristic symptom of plantar fasciitis, but the pain can also be felt in the foot's arch
- Morning pain: pain is often most intense with the first few steps taken after getting out of bed in the morning or after periods of prolonged sitting or inactivity
- Pain after exercise: while the pain may decrease during physical activity, it often returns after exercise or activity stops
- Stiffness: the heel or arch may be stiff, particularly in the morning or after sitting for a long time
- Tenderness: the heel may feel tender to the touch, especially near the bottom and along the foot's arch
- Swelling: mild swelling or inflammation may be present in the heel area
These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but they typically worsen over time if not properly managed or treated.
Common reasons you may experience plantar fasciitis include:
- Overuse of the foot’s soft tissues due to consistent high-impact sports or activities, such as running
- Regularly completing activities that involve holding significant weight, such as with weightlifters or movers
- Poor habitual posture, movement patterns, and lifting technique
- Your unique foot structure and mechanics (flat feet, high arches, etc.)
- Regularly wearing improper or unsupportive shoes, shoes in poor condition, or high heels
- A chronic injury elsewhere in the body that puts irregular pressure on the plantar fascia
- Aging or regular wear and tear
Natural Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis
Healing plantar fasciitis naturally can be effective with consistent application of the following remedies:
Stretching exercises
Regularly stretching the calf muscles and the plantar fascia can help relieve tension. Simple exercises such as calf stretches, rolling a tennis ball under the foot, or using a towel to pull the toes towards you can improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Ice therapy
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Use an ice pack or roll a frozen water bottle under your foot for about 15-20 minutes several times daily.
Massage
Massaging the foot, especially the arch, can improve blood flow and reduce tightness. You can gently massage the plantar fascia with your hands, a massage ball, or a foam roller.
Wear proper footwear
Wearing shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning can alleviate stress on the plantar fascia. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and consider using orthotic inserts to provide additional support and distribute pressure evenly.
Visit Our Bluffdale Chiropractic Clinic to End Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Our Bluffdale chiropractic clinic provides a variety of treatments to help you achieve comfort and balance. We’ve helped many patients suffering from plantar fasciitis pain and know how much the condition can impact quality of life, especially for those who rely on healthy feet for their occupation or sports.
Understanding the importance of your comfort, we employ techniques to deliver the best and most efficient results. We also equip every patient with the knowledge to maintain good foot health and protect the body with proactive care.
The solutions we use to treat plantar fasciitis effectively include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Sports chiropractic
- Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) treats dysfunction in the soft tissues
- Rehab exercises for your unique strengthening goals
- Massage therapy
- Pilates classes to improve strength and flexibility for a well-functioning body
- And more
Don’t let your plantar fasciitis symptoms interfere with your activities any longer. Contact us today, and let’s get you the reliable chiropractic care your body deserves.