Plantar fasciitis can be tricky to manage, especially when it’s unclear whether you’re dealing with an acute or chronic case.
At Bergen Chiropractic, we’re here to understand everything and provide tailored solutions that meet your needs. Whether your pain started recently or has lingered for years, chiropractic care can make a difference!
What is Acute Plantar Fasciitis?
Acute plantar fasciitis is a short-term condition that develops suddenly after increased physical activity or strain. It’s often caused by sudden changes in routine, like starting a new workout regimen or spending long hours on your feet without proper support.
Duration and Common Causes of Acute Cases
Acute plantar fasciitis usually lasts a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity and how quickly it’s addressed.
Common triggers include wearing unsupportive shoes, abrupt increases in physical activity, or standing for extended periods on hard surfaces.
Acute Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
The symptoms of acute plantar fasciitis are often sudden and intense. You might notice a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest.
While the pain may ease as the day progresses, it often returns after prolonged activity or standing. Swelling and redness in the heel area are also common indicators.
The Role of Inflammation in Acute Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation plays a significant role in acute plantar fasciitis. When the plantar fascia is overstressed, it becomes inflamed, leading to the hallmark pain and tenderness. Addressing this inflammation early is key to preventing the condition from becoming chronic.
What is Chronic Plantar Fasciitis?
Chronic plantar fasciitis develops when the condition is left untreated or when acute cases recur frequently. This long-term condition often involves degenerative changes in the plantar fascia, making it harder to manage. Chronic cases require a more comprehensive approach to treatment.
Duration and Recurrence of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Unlike acute cases, chronic plantar fasciitis can last months or even years. It often recurs due to repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, or lack of proper care. Chronic cases may also involve scarring or thickening of the plantar fascia, making recovery more challenging.
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Chronic plantar fasciitis symptoms are typically less intense but more persistent than acute cases. You might feel a dull, aching pain in your heel or arch that worsens after activity. Stiffness in the morning or after sitting for long periods is also standard, along with reduced flexibility in your foot and ankle.
Degenerative Changes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic cases often involve degenerative changes, such as microtears, scarring, or thickening of the plantar fascia. These changes can reduce elasticity and make the tissue more prone to further injury.
Managing Acute Plantar Fasciitis With Chiropractic Care
When acute plantar fasciitis strikes, timely care can make all the difference.
At Bergen Chiropractic, we use hands-on techniques, personalized advice, and supportive tools to reduce pain and inflammation. Soft tissue mobilization, targeted stretches, and adjustments tailored to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia are just a few ways we promote rapid healing.
By addressing the root cause and providing practical solutions, we help you recover quickly and keep the pain from returning.
Reducing Inflammation Through Orthotics and Footwear Support
Orthotics and proper footwear are vital in managing acute plantar fasciitis. Supportive insoles help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and alleviating discomfort. Well-cushioned shoes with arch support provide stability and protect feet during daily activities.
According to our insights on plantar fasciitis-friendly footwear, selecting shoes with a firm heel counter and adequate cushioning can significantly improve.
At Bergen Chiropractic, we can guide you toward footwear that matches your lifestyle and foot structure, ensuring comfort and long-term relief.
Stretching Exercises for Calf and Plantar Fascia Flexibility
Stretching improves flexibility and reduces tension in the calf muscles and plantar fascia.
Simple exercises, such as toe stretches, calf raises, and rolling your foot over a tennis ball, can alleviate pain and prevent stiffness.
Chiropractic Strategies for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
The Graston Technique: A Proven Method for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
One practical approach is the Graston Technique, a specialized soft tissue therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue and improve circulation.
This method targets adhesions within the plantar fascia, helping to restore flexibility and reduce chronic pain. It provides a well-rounded solution for lasting relief and improved foot health when combined with adjustments, strengthening exercises, and other chiropractic methods.
Gait Analysis to Identify Biomechanical Contributors
Gait analysis helps pinpoint biomechanical issues that contribute to chronic plantar fasciitis. By identifying imbalances in walking or running, we can create a treatment plan to correct these patterns and reduce strain on your feet.
Strengthening the Foot and Ankle for Long-Term Recovery
Strengthening your feet and ankle muscles provides much-needed support to the plantar fascia. Targeted exercises, such as toe curls and ankle rotations, help build strength and resilience, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Advanced Therapies: Dry Needling and Ultrasound Therapy
Advanced therapies like dry needling and ultrasound therapy are effective for chronic cases. Dry needling helps release tight muscles and improve circulation, while ultrasound therapy promotes tissue healing and reduces inflammation.
Preventative Measures: Footwear, Lifestyle Changes, and Activity Modifications
Prevention is just as important as treatment.
Wearing supportive footwear, incorporating regular stretching, and modifying high-impact activities can go a long way in keeping plantar fasciitis at bay. We’re here to help you create a plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle!
Experience Tailored Plantar Fasciitis Care at Bergen Chiropractic!
The 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 plantar fasciitis!
