What's That Pain in Your Foot?
By Sara Butler
Many people relate chiropractic care with pain in the back or neck, but that's not the only type of pain that chiropractors can treat. In fact, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have many patients with complaints about pain in other parts of the body, including the feet. If you're struggling with foot pain, then it may be due to a fairly common issue called plantar fasciitis. Here's what you need to know about it and how the chiropractors at The Joint can help.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
There is a thick band of flat connective tissue that runs from your heel to the toes along the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia. Its main job is to support the arch of the foot and sometimes it can become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain.
The main complaint of people with plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain in the heel that starts as soon as they get out of bed in the morning, or standing after sitting for long periods. As the condition gets worse, that pain experienced first thing will grow to be pain that is experienced constantly.
Anyone can develop this condition, but some factors increase the chances. These factors include:
- Improper footwear - If you wear shoes that don't have proper arch support or shoes that tighten the calf muscles, such as high heels, then you have an increased chance
- Tight muscles in the calf - Tight calf muscles pull on the Achilles' tendon, creating tension in the bottom of the foot and aggravating the plantar fascia
- Issues with biometrics - If you land on the outside of your foot when you walk or have a problem with your hips, then it can put more tension on the foot and lead to issues
- Overtraining - Runners and other athletes who increase their training distances too rapidly can be more prone to this condition
- Excess weight - If you have excess body weight, then it can contribute to developing this condition
What to Do
If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. They can help you to understand the root cause of the condition and work with you to treat it. They may show you some stretches you can do to help increase flexibility and take a look at the shoes you wear to see if you need a supportive upgrade. Icing, massage, and a night splint may be needed as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.