Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It is often a side effect of overuse or improper footwear and can be especially problematic for people who are on their feet a lot, such as runners or those in the hospitality industry. The pain and discomfort felt from Plantar Fasciitis can range from mild / moderate to severe.
Plantar Fasciitis can be treated and managed with chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including those that affect the feet and ankles. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and alleviate pain for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.
Joint manipulation for Plantar Fasciitis
Chiropractors use joint manipulation to treat Plantar Fasciitis. Joint manipulation involves applying a high velocity, low amplitude force to the ankle and foot joint to improve overall function and range of motion of the ankle. By improving the function of the ankle (and associated carpal bones), chiropractors can help reduce the strain on the plantar fascia ligament and other structures within the foot. This manipulation aids in pain relief from Plantar Fasciitis.
Chiropractic physical therapy modalities for Plantar Fasciitis
The chiropractors at Chiro-Med, S.C. use a variety of physical therapy modalities in addition to the joint adjustment to treat Plantar Fasciitis. Such physical therapy modalities used for plantar fasciitis include:
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: A low-frequency sound wave vibration used to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing within the joint.
2. Electrical Stimulation: Small electrical currents placed on the affected area to decrease muscle pain and muscle spasm.
- Ice: Used to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice is used in conjunction with other physical therapy modalities to help manage pain and inflammation.
4. Heat: Heat relaxes muscles and increases blood flow, which will reduce pain and improve flexibility in the joint.
5. Light Therapy: Reduces inflammation and pain in the affected area. Stimulates collagen fibers to decrease healing time, increase ligament contractility and tensile strength
6. Superficial Dry Needling: Small needles inserted into trigger points in the affected area for pain modulation and to reduce soft tissue adhesions. Dry needling can improve blood flow to the plantar fascia which will stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
Stretching and strengthening exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
In addition to joint manipulation and chiropractic physical therapy modalities, chiropractors may also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as changes to footwear or other lifestyle modifications to help manage Plantar Fasciitis.
There is evidence to support the use of chiropractic care for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with Plantar Fasciitis (1). Another study published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that a combination of chiropractic care and home exercises was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with plantar fasciitis (2).
In conclusion, chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for Plantar Fasciitis. Through the use of techniques such as spinal manipulation and various physical therapy modalities, chiropractors can help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and alleviate pain. In addition to these techniques, chiropractors may also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises and lifestyle modifications to help manage Plantar Fasciitis.
References:
Schuitema, J. L., Sibbritt, D. W., & Skoetz, N. (2018). Effectiveness of chiropractic care on pain and function in people with plantar fasciitis: a systematic review. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 41(3), 214-223.
Crawford, F., Kwan, M., & O’Halloran, K. (2017). Comparison of 2 rehabilitation programs for plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(11), 842-854.