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The plantar fascia is a broad cord of tissue, found connecting
the heel bone to the toes across the bottom of the foot, which normally
function as a shock-absorber to support the arch of the foot. For many
individuals, when an excess amount of tension begins to build up on the plantar
fascia, small tears can begin to develop on the tissue. With constant
stretching and tearing, the fascia can become irritated and inflamed, causing
pain and discomfort on the affected foot, a condition best known as plantar
fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel
pain in many individuals. Although most
commonly diagnosed in runners, individuals who are overweight, women who are
pregnant, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support, are at an increased
risk of developing plantar fasciitis. The condition is characterized by a sharp
pain that generally occurs during the first steps an individual takes first
thing in the morning. After the foot warms up, the pain of the condition may
decrease, but it may return after extended periods of time standing or after
getting up from a seated position.
The pain and symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis can
develop gradually, most frequently affecting a single foot although it can
occur in both feet simultaneously.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of reasons
but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. As we
age, for example, the body undergoes a natural process of degeneration where
the structures of tissue may begin to wear and tear. Through this process, many
muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even bones, can become weaker, especially
those of repetitive use. Overuse with age frequently irritates the plantar
fascia, resulting in the well-known symptoms of heel pain and discomfort.
Plantar fasciitis is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60. Because women who are pregnant can often
experience plantar fascia complications due to their added weight, plantar
fasciitis is statistically more likely to occur in women than men. Additionally, being flat-footed, having a high
arch, or even having an abnormal pattern of walking or running can negatively
affect the weight distribution within the body while standing, adding stress on
the plantar fascia. Occupations that require longer periods of time
walking or standing while on hard surfaces can also aggravate the plantar
fascia and result in plantar fasciitis. And last but not least, improper footwear, such
as thin soled, loose, or those lacking in proper support to protect the feet,
can commonly cause plantar fasciitis. Also, wearing high-heeled shoes often can
cause damage or injury to the Achilles tendon which attaches to the heel,
causing the tissue to contract and shorten, resulting in strain on the Achilles
tendon around the heel.
For individuals with plantar fasciitis symptoms,
conservative treatment such as chiropractic care, stretching, shoe inserts or
orthotics, night splints, and taping, can offer positive effects towards
treating the condition. Through the use of chiropractic adjustments,
soft-tissue manipulation, and exercises, many individuals can experience relief
of their plantar fasciitis symptoms with chiropractic treatment.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
