Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a serious and painful condition that occurs when the long, flat ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears and inflammation. Serious cases of plantar fasciitis can possibly lead to ruptures in the ligament. This ligament is called the plantar fascia and it extends from your five toes and runs along the bottom of your foot, attaching to your heel. When you walk or run, you land on your heel and raise yourself on your toes as you shift your weight to your other foot, causing all your weight to be held up by your plantar fascia. Such repetitive force can pull the fascia from its attachment on your heel and cause damage and plantar fasciitis.

Many factors can cause plantar fasciitis to develop. When walking with a normal step, the plantar fascia ligament stretches as the foot strikes the ground. When walking with an abnormal step, or when putting repetitive pressure on the heel, the plantar fascia ligament can stretch irregularly, become stressed, and develop small tears. These small tears can cause the fascia ligament to become inflamed (plantar fasciitis).

The pain from plantar fasciitis can be described as a dull ache or sharp pain. Plantar fasciitis tends to worsen after standing or exercising for prolonged periods or after getting out of bed in the morning. Morning heel pain from plantar fasciitis is one of the most common symptoms. As the person walks, the fascia "warms up" and lengthens slightly, reducing the tension on the ligament and lessening the pain.

Fixations in the anklebones and feet may be the ultimate cause of your pain. Your ankle and foot consist of 26 bones. Proper walking and running mechanics depend on normal motion between these bones. Fixations, also known as misalignments, of these bones will result in their work being put on the neighboring plantar fascia. This results in plantar fasciitis.

Chiropractic adjustments of your feet, ankles, hips and low back will normalize the mechanics of the foot and your gait. Appropriate lifestyle modifications including stretching can help restore function and relieve pain.