Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed.

Your plantar fascia is the tissue that runs between your heel and your toes.  Tension and stress can create micro sized tears in the plantar fascia.

Repeated tearing and stretching are comon causes of plantar fasciitis.

What is it like?

It feels like a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot, near your heel.  A person with plantar fasciitis usually feels it the most after a period of rest.  For example, getting up in the morning or after a long period of sitting.

Pain can also be triggered by long periods of standing.  The pain typically diminishes when the person starts moving around.  Still, it can make walking uncomfortable.

The person is usually fine during exercise, but in pain afterwards.

How can you avoid plantar fasciitis?

One major cause is wearing shoes with inadequate support.  Minimize how often you wear footwear like flip-flops and high heels.  Shoes wear out over time – they may lose their support long before the soles wear through or the sides get holes.  Replace your shoes regularly.

Plantar fasciitis is common in runners.  Being physically active is good for you.  Regular chiropractic care will help to support your body.  It’s not worth giving up an active lifestyle to reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis.

Do you spend your workday standing on hard surfaces or walking around most of the time?  If so, you may be at additional risk of developing plantar fasciitis.  Such occupations include teachers, factory workers, and retail employees.

Whether you are an athlete like a runner, or a person who works in a physically active job, supportive shoes are crucial.

How do you treat plantar fasciitis?

Laser therapy is typically helpful in treating plantar fasciitis.

The laser stimulates the cells to heal more quickly.  This helps to reduce inflammation, so that your body’s healing processes can “catch up” with the stresses placed on your feet as you walk around in daily life.

Laser therapy can also alleviate much of the discomfort associated with this condition.

Plantar fasciitis is more common in people with flat feet or a high arch.  It can also develop when a person’s gait affects the way they distribute their weight on their feet.  If this applies to you, orthotics may help.

Sheppard Chiropractic Centre offers both laser therapy and custom orthotics.  Contact us at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 and let our friendly staff know that you would like to schedule your first appointment.  Or, if you’re already a patient, let our staff know that you are seeking laser therapy or interested in finding out what orthotics can do for you.