Are you tired of that nagging heel and arch pain that stays with you at the end of the day? You might be dealing with plantar fasciitis, a common but frustrating foot condition.
The good news? You don’t have to live with the discomfort. At Bergen Chiropractic, we’ve got a nuanced chiropractic approach to help you kick plantar fasciitis to the curb and get back to pain-free walking!
5 Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be a real pain in the foot, but understanding what causes it is the first step to prevention and treatment.
Here are five common culprits behind this pesky condition:
- Overuse and sudden increases in activity: If you’ve recently ramped up your exercise routine or started a new job that keeps you on your feet, your plantar fascia might feel the strain from overuse. This tissue isn’t used to the extra stress, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Foot structure and mechanics: Whether you have flat feet or high arches, both can put extra stress on your plantar fascia. It’s like wearing shoes that don’t quite fit—your feet must work harder with every step.
- Age and weight: Our plantar fascia loses some elasticity as we age. Carrying extra weight also puts more pressure on this tissue. It’s a double whammy that can lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Poor footwear choices: Those stylish shoes might look great, but if they’re not supporting your feet properly, they could be setting you up for trouble. Shoes with poor arch support or thin soles don’t do your feet any favors.
- Tight calf muscles: If your muscles are too tight, it can affect how your foot moves when you walk. This can strain your plantar fascia, potentially leading to inflammation.
The Role of Foot Biomechanics in Heel Pain
Your feet are engineering marvels, but sometimes things can go off-kilter.
Flat feet or high arches can stress your plantar fascia, that tough band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. It’s like wearing shoes that don’t quite fit—eventually, something’s got to give.
How Muscle Imbalances and Tension Contribute to Plantar Fasciitis
Tight calf or weak foot muscles can throw your foot’s natural mechanics out of whack. This imbalance can lead to extra strain on your plantar fascia, causing inflammation and pain.
Think of it like a tug-of-war where one team is much stronger than the other—it will cause some tension.
Bergen Chiropractic’s Approach to Easing Plantar Fasciitis-Related Pain
Now that we know what might be causing your foot pain, let’s discuss how we can help you find relief.
Our expert team takes a comprehensive approach to treating plantar fasciitis, combining several effective techniques to address the root causes of your discomfort.
Our treatment plan typically includes a mix of hands-on therapies, exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. We understand that each case of plantar fasciitis is unique, so we tailor our approach to your specific needs. We aim to alleviate your pain, promote long-term healing, and prevent future flare-ups.
Soft Tissue Manipulation
One of our go-to techniques is soft tissue manipulation.
This hands-on approach helps loosen tight muscles and fascia in your feet and calves. It’s like giving your feet a really good massage but with the added benefit of breaking up scar tissue and promoting healing.
Adjusting Foot and Ankle Joints
Sometimes, the bones in your feet and ankles can get slightly out of alignment.
Our chiropractors use gentle adjustments to nudge these joints back into place, restoring proper movement and taking the pressure off your plantar fascia.
What Happens during a Chiropractic Foot Care Session?
You step towards pain-free walking when you come in for a foot care session. Our sessions are designed to be thorough, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect:
- A thorough assessment of your foot structure and movement: We’ll start by examining your feet, ankles, and lower legs. This isn’t just a quick glance—we’ll assess how you walk, stand, and move your feet. We might use special tools to measure your feet’ arches or analyze your gait.
- Targeted soft tissue work to release tension: Next, we’ll use various hands-on techniques to work on the soft tissues of your feet and lower legs. This might include massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy. The goal is to loosen up tight muscles and fascia to provide immediate relief and improve your foot’s flexibility.
- Gentle adjustments to realign foot and ankle joints: We’ll use gentle chiropractic adjustments if we find any misalignments in your foot or ankle joints.
- Personalized exercises to strengthen your feet and improve flexibility: We’ll teach you specific exercises to do at home, such as calf and plantar fascia stretches or strengthening exercises for your foot muscles.
- Advice on proper footwear and lifestyle changes to support healing: We’ll discuss your daily activities and footwear choices. You might be surprised at how much difference the right shoes can make! We’ll offer advice on choosing supportive shoes and may suggest modifications to your daily routine to reduce stress on your feet.
We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns throughout the session. Our goal is to treat your plantar fasciitis and empower you with knowledge about your foot health. By the end of your visit, you’ll have a clear understanding of your condition and a personalized plan to restore function and reduce pain.
Remember, healing takes time, and you might need several sessions to resolve your plantar fasciitis fully. However, many patients report feeling some relief even after their first visit. We’re here to support you every step of the way to pain-free walking.
Don’t Let Foot Pain Hold You Back—Contact Bergen Chiropractic Now!
Living with plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to be your new normal. At Bergen Chiropractic, we’re passionate about helping you get back on your feet—literally!
Our chiropractic team at Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic care. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 357-6539 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care for meniscus tear rehabilitation!
