What’s Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the irritation of this fascia usually due to overuse and repetitive strain injury. Although the name presents it as an inflammatory condition, inflammatory cells are often not present.
What is the plantar fascia?
The plantar fascia is the connective tissue which connects the heel to the metatarsal heads on the underside of the foot.
What are the risk factors?
- Flat feet
- Limited ankle dorsiflexion
- An excess amount of physical activity, particularly walking and running.
- Prolonged standing
It accounts for approximately 10% of runner related injuries and 11% – 15% of all foot symptoms requiring healthcare.
What are potential symptoms?
- Heel pain
- Pain on the first few steps of getting out of bed
- Pain eases as physical activity continues but worsens post activity.
How is it managed?
First line treatment for plantar fasciitis is conservative care with surgery being a last resort.
At Black Chiropractic Group, Drs. Michael & David Black will perform a verbal and physical examination to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Michael in most cases will use a combination of manual therapy such as massage and appropriate rehabilitative care with the aim of reducing pain and improving function of the foot and lower limb.
For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Black at Manningham Road Chiropractic Centre and Armadale Chiropractic Centre. Private health funds cover chiropractic care and some patients qualify for a Medicare EPC referral if they have a long-standing problem.
