Pain in the bottom of your foot?
Plantar Fasciitis
Definition:
Inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick, fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that runs from the heel to the base of the foot.
How:
When under stress, the fascia will stretch and tear causing inflammation of the fascia and surrounding tissues
When the tears heal, scar tissue covers the healing scars and leads to less flexibility, which aggravates the plantar fascia even more.
Unilateral plantar fasciitis can be due to a leg length inequality
The best and most reliable determinant of leg length inequality is a specific X-ray called and orthoroentgenogram.
Symptoms:
Pain at the heel – feels like a “bone bruise”
Pain in the morning that gets better with movement
Causes:
Tight Achilles tendons
High or flat arches
Worn out shoes
Treatment:
Ice massage – 3-5 minutes with an ice cup or a frozen water bottle
Orthotics
Custom made orthotics through Biomechanical Services can be made for you at Gallagher Chiropractic and Sports Medicine.
If it is deemed that you do have a leg length inequality, heel lifts are built into your orthotic.
Exercise:
Switching to non-weight bearing exercise can help heal – swimming or pool running
Stretch calf muscles
Roll plantar fascia on golf balls
