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Plantar Fasciitis and Chiropractic
Plantar fasciitis can be frustrating, but you’re not stuck with it forever.
Plantar Fasciitis Hurts. Here’s How Chiropractic Can Help You Walk Comfortably Again
If you’ve ever stepped out of bed and felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, you might already know the name for it: plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it can make everyday activities like walking, standing, or exercising feel miserable.
The good news is, you don’t have to live with that pain forever. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive option that can help relieve symptoms and get you back on your feet.
Let’s talk about what plantar fasciitis is, what causes it, and how chiropractic care can support your recovery.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot. Its job is to support the arch of your foot and absorb shock as you walk or run.
When that tissue gets irritated or overused, tiny tears can develop. This causes inflammation, which leads to that sharp, often burning pain in your heel, especially when you take your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
What Causes It?
Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in:
- Runners and athletes
- People who stand or walk a lot at work
- Those with flat feet or high arches
- People who wear unsupportive footwear
- Adults between the ages of 40 and 60
- Anyone carrying extra weight that puts more pressure on the feet
It can show up gradually or all at once, and without proper care, it often gets worse over time.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Plantar Fasciitis
While most people think of chiropractic care for the back or neck, chiropractors are also trained to assess and treat conditions related to the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and overall posture — all of which play a role in plantar fasciitis.
Here’s how chiropractic can help:
1. Foot and Ankle Adjustments
Misalignments in the foot and ankle joints can affect how weight is distributed when you walk. Chiropractors can use gentle adjustments to improve joint function and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
2. Spinal and Hip Alignment
Your feet don’t work in isolation. If your hips, knees, or spine are misaligned, it can create uneven pressure in your stride, which puts more stress on the feet. A full-body chiropractic approach helps correct these patterns from the ground up.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors often use techniques like myofascial release or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to reduce tension and improve flexibility in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles.
4. Stretching and Rehab Exercises
You’ll often be given specific stretches and exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen your foot muscles, and support healing. Chiropractors may also guide you in choosing better footwear or inserts if needed.
What to Expect During a Visit
At your first visit, your chiropractor will do a full assessment of your posture, gait, and joint movement. They may look beyond your feet to see how your ankles, knees, hips, and spine are working together.
From there, they’ll build a custom care plan that focuses on reducing inflammation, improving movement, and preventing future flare-ups.
Don’t Let Foot Pain Slow You Down
Plantar fasciitis can be frustrating, but you’re not stuck with it forever. With the right care, you can get back to walking, working, and enjoying life without wincing every time you stand up.
