Heel Pain – get to the foot of the problem!
Your foot is a very complicated piece of engineering! Your foot and ankle are made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and in excess of 100 tendons, the heel being the largest bone in the foot!
Pain that occurs under the heel is known as plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition, affecting around 10% of the UK population at some point in their lives. For most people, the pain is mild and improves with resting, stretching or even changing footwear. However, in about 20% of people who suffer from this condition, the heel pain can persist, meaning they need further treatment!
Getting quick and effective treatment from your Chiropractor for your heel pain is essential. Ignoring your symptoms may result in ongoing pain that will get in the way of your daily routine.
Heel pain can change the way you walk, and this can lead to foot, knee, hip, or back problems!
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that stretches along the underside of the foot, under the skin, from the heel to the middle of the foot.
This ligament normally acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot, however when it becomes over-used or overloaded it can tear and start to degenerate, resulting in heel pain.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
The most common symptoms of this condition include:
- Heel pain
- Stiffness
- Pain in the arch of your foot
- Swelling around the heel
- A tight Achilles tendon
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Anything that irritates or damages this area can give you heel pain, some of these include:
- Playing sports
- Being on your feet all day
- Exercising or working on hard surfaces
- Not warming up before you exercise
- Wearing shoes that do not support your feet e.g., flip flops.
Some health conditions can also put you at a higher risk of developing this condition:
- Flat feet
- Obesity
- High arches
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
You should notice the symptoms improving as soon as your Chiropractor starts treating them, however it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to completely heal.
Chiropractic treatment and plantar fasciitis
There are several ways that a trip to your Chiropractor can help with plantar fasciitis, but the most common include:
- Your Chiropractor will perform chiropractic adjustments to your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine. They are designed to help alleviate the pressure on the bottom of your feet.
- It is also important to stretch the area on a regular basis to help reduce stress, tension, and pressure on the bottom of your feet. Your Chiropractor will show you specific stretches, exercises and movements that will help to ease the aches and pains brought on by this condition.
- Your Chiropractor can also help you make adjustments that shifts the weight as you sit and stand to spread evenly over your feet.
If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or [email address=”luton@healesclinics.com”