Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, Foot Pain and Heel Pain

Heel pain and foot pain with running is commonly caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis.

But runners aren't the only ones that suffer from plantar fasciitis.  Virtually any activity that results in pounding or wear and tear on the feet can lead to foot and heel pain.  Unfortunately, foot pain from plantar fasciitis tends to respond poorly to traditional treatment. 

Even after changing shoes or taking time off from running and activity, plantar fasciitis foot pain tends to come back quickly.  The truth is, these types of treatment jjust aren't aggressive enough to make any sort of permanent change.  Even after physical therapy, injections and night braces, foot pain and heel pain with those first few steps in the morning can be incredibly painful.

The good news is, Active Release Technique® can resolve plantar fasciitis quickly, and often permanently.  Foot pain and heel pain tend to decrease even after only one treatment, and plantar fasciitis is often gone after just a few weeks. 

 

What is Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain?

The muscles on the bottom of the foot are covered by a tough, protective layer of fibers called the plantar fascia, that runs from the base of the heel to the toes.  Plantar fasciitis occurs when this fibrous covering becomes irritated and inflamed.  Foot pain with running, heel pain in the morning and pain in the arch of the foot are all common complaints with plantar fasciitis.  Foot pain and heel pain is often bad enough that people will avoid activities like walking or running because it just hurts too much.  Plantar fasciitis is a condition that tends to develop slowly over months or years, so by the time you have foot pain or heel pain the condition is likely already chronic.

 

What Causes the Foot Pain from Plantar Fasciitis?

The protective covering on the bottom of your foot (plantar fascia) helps to support the arch of your foot.  When you stand, walk, jump or run, it stretches and absorbs a significant amount of impact and shock.  When the plantar fascia is overstressed or overused, it starts to develop small tears that lead to inflammation and scar tissue formation.  As more and more of these small tears accumulate, foot pain and stiffness worsen often causing people to limp after sleeping or sitting for too long.

If not corrected, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic foot pain, heel pain, and heel spurs. Braces, injections and most types of physical therapy aren't aggressive enough to break up this scar tissue so your foot pain usually returns.  Plantar fasciitis, if allowed to go too long without proper treatment, can lead to stress fractures which is terrible news for runners or people who work on their feet.

 

What are the Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include deep, achy foot pain, heel pain, and burning in the arch of the foot.  The first few steps after getting out of bed or after sitting can often cause exquisite heel pain.  Once you’re up and moving your foot pain may get better for a while, but usually comes back once your feet tighten up again.  Eventually, the burning or pain in your feet may spread to the toes and even to the ankle and calf.  In some cases people with plantar fasciitis develop numbness and tingling of the feet and toes.

 

Active Release Technique for Treating Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that doesn’t respond well to traditional treatment.  Wearing splints, braces, tape and wraps, or resting for weeks or months at a time is not an effective solution for foot pain.  Even conventional therapy can last for months and still not fix the problem.  And who wants to spend months in treatment only to have your foot pain or plantar fasciitis return soon after?

Active Release Technique® is a tremendously effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.  Often patients report a dramatic reduction or full relief of foot pain in 4-6 treatments.  The focus with Active Release® is not just the plantar fascia, but the intrinsic muscles of the foot, ankle and lower leg.  Active Release® can break up adhesions and scar tissue in the fascia and muscles of the foot, returning normal motion and functiont.  The result is improved mechanics of the foot and ankle, and a quick return to activities such as standing and running without foot pain or heel pain.

 

Effective Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain Treatment in Bellevue, WA

If you’re interested in learning about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique® can help eliminate your plantar fasciitis foot pain, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey.  His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in Downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!  Call (425) 455-2711.