by Dr. Marc Davis, Wellness Expert
As you step out of bed to begin a new day, your breath is suddenly taken away by a dual sensation of sharp pain and tenderness directly beneath your heel. Does this sound familiar? If so, you aren’t alone.
This annoying and disabling foot condition, which is aggravated by running or walking (especially upon walking), is known as plantar fasciitis: an inflammation in the band of connective tissue along the sole of the foot.
Each year, an estimated two million people develop plantar fasciitis. The good news is that it’s avoidable and may be alleviated with chiropractic care.
Dr Davis uses a multifaceted strategy to ward off this common foot complaint. Why more than one approach? Because scientific research indicates that no single technique is effective in all instances (Clin Poditr Med Durg 2001;18:225-31).
Education
Doctors of chiropractic believe in empowering patients with knowledge by teaching them about the anatomy behind their complaints.
Before developing a care plan, Dr Davis explains that the plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band that fans out over the sole of the foot – ending just before the toes. It works like a rubber band, maintaining the foot’s complex arch system necessary for stability and locomotion.
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t usually result from a single event. Rather, it develops slowly from repetitive trauma.
Postural Alignment
Dr Davis focuses on holistic healing, which stresses averting health problems rather than masking symptoms with drugs. Doctors of chiropractic view the body as a whole, connected unit: each part affects the others.
This holistic approach to wellness centers on spinal health, specifically detecting and correcting a common disorder called vertebral subluxation. Vertebral subluxations are areas in the spine where movement is restricted or vertebrae (bones) are slightly out of alignment.
Even the slightest misalignment can wreak havoc on the entire body. For example, vertebral subluxations often trigger misalignments in the hip joints, causing one hip to rest slightly higher than the other. In turn, a disproportionate amount of force is directed on one knee and foot – sparking a plethora of musculoskeletal disorders, including plantar fasciitis.
Asymmetry of bones may also spur impaired postural stability, producing more pain and further misalignment. In one study, researchers noted that patients with severe low back pain consistently scored lower on stability tests than healthy controls. They concluded that “impaired postural stability seems to be one factor in multidimensional symptomatology of patients with chronic low back trouble” (Spine 1998;23:2081-9.)
Chiropractors use gentle and safe maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments to correct the misalignments of the bones that induce vertebral subluxations. A wealth of research supports this all natural approach, which helps restore motion and relieve pain without side effects. In an investigation of two patients suffering from foot pain, podiatrists observed that “chiropractic manipulation of the lumbar spine resulted in alleviation of the lower extremity symptoms.” (J Am Posiatr Med Assoc 1991;81:150-4.)
In addition to adjusting the joints of the spine, chiropractors often adjust the joints of the foot and ankle in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis – as the condition is associated with restricted movement for the foot and ankle.
Physiotherapy
As proponents of holistic health care, doctors of chiropractic caution patients to use medication and surgery only when absolutely necessary. Drugs and invasive surgery are accompanied by a host of side effects, which may spur serious health problems. Instead, in addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors often employ physiotherapy techniques to alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis. Physiotherapy remedies may include cross-friction massage, ultrasound, ice and heat.
Stretch & Strengthen
To speed healing, doctors of chiropractic teach patients stretches that increase flexibility in the plantar fascia, Achilles’ tendon and calf muscles. Stretching several times during the day is most effective – especially before exercise and upon rising from bed.
Activity Restrictions
Your doctor of chiropractic may advise you to rest and refrain from activities that place pressure on the feet.
But your doctor will also emphasize that continuing to exercise is important for a healthy immune system. Rather that impact sports, switch to swimming or water aerobics to maintain cardiovascular fitness while you recover. Stationary bicycles and elliptical trainers are also non impact.
Shoes
Chiropractors also instruct patients about the link between shoes and plantar fasciitis. In a normal, walking stride, two to three times the body’s weight lands on the heel as it hits the ground. The more shoes wear, the less shock they absorb – and the more traumas they transfer to the foot. This lack of cushioning accelerates the onset of plantar fasciitis.
So can improper construction. A tri-athlete developed plantar fasciitis due, in part, to a defective running show. Specifically, the right shoes heel as glued at an inward angle, causing it to tilt differently that the left (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2000;30:21-8).
Shoes, like care shocks, need regular inspections and replacement. Sneakers that are worn several times a week should be replaced after three to six months – or about 500 miles. Other factors, such as walking on hard surfaces and obesity, hasten this decline.
Arch Supports
The plantar fascia works to maintain the foot’s three arches, which aid in locomotion and provide support and stability. While a long plantar fascia creates a long arch, a short one results in a short arch. That’s why a doctor of chiropractic may recommend arch supports or custom made orthotics to achieve optimum foot health.
Heel Cups
In addition to suggesting arch supports, chiropractors may also prescribe heel cups. Heel cups are constructed from a hard plastic or rubber material. They slip into the rear part of the shoe, cradling the heel bone and preventing the protective fat pad at the base of the heel from spreading out during heel strike.
Children also at Risk
Plantar fasciitis isn’t just for grown ups: An increasing number of children are suffering from the condition. New research reveals that foot and ankle maladies are the second most common musculoskeletal disorder in children younger than 10 years of age. One study, performed at the Boston Children’s Hospital in the Sports’ Medicine Clinic, cited plantar fasciitis as one of the leading foot complain in youngsters (Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31:S470-86).
Proactive Prevention
If you suspect that you have a plantar fasciitis, consult a doctor of chiropractic immediately, it’s essential to rule out other foot problems that could mimic similar pain.
Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recommendations are appropriate in most instances. They are not, however, a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider such as Dr. Davis. Copyright, 2013.
Dr. Marc Davis adjusts patients at Davis Family Chiropractic, a thriving wellness-oriented office located next to Fred Meyer in Fisher’s Landing. For FREE monthly tips and community events subscribe to Dr. Davis’ blog “Life Naturally” by going to www.davisfamilychiro.com and clicking on “Blog”. To schedule a time to meet with Dr. Davis, or to get information about having him speak at your club, church group or workplace, call (360) 823-2225. Mention “LacamasMagazine” and “Free Scan” to get your Computerized Back and Neck Scan (regularly $210) for FREE (limited time offer).
Dr. Marc Davis
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