Imagine getting out of bed in the morning... Yikes! There's incredible pain in the arch of the foot, centering on the heel. Step after step brings misery, lessening from increased pain tolerance rather than actual relief.
This is textbook plantar fascitis. The plantar fascia is a tough sheet of connective tissue which stretches across the sole of the foot from the ball to the heel. It spans the arch of the foot like the string of a bow. (The bow would be the bones of the foot which form the arch.) Add gravity to the equation and it is obvious that the fascia must stretch under the entire weight of the body. One problem: The plantar fascia doesn't like to be stretched. When it is stretched, it becomes inflamed and voila: plantar fascitis.
At first look, it appears nature has a faulty design, but one more component requires consideration: The muscles. There are several muscles whose job it is to hold up the arch of the foot and maintain proper biomechanics. Anterior and posterior tibialis are just two major players. The foot also has its own intrinsic muscles which fortify the arch. If they become neurologically inhibited (weakened), the arch will fall and the fascia is all that remains. These muscles are innervated by the lower lumbar and sacral cord levels in the back which join to form the sciatic nerve and eventually travel through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle. Ergo, any lumbosacral (low back) misalignment or tarsal tunnel syndrome due to ankle dysfunction can inhibit (weaken) these muscles. All must be properly assessed and ruled out.
Another muscle to consider would be the triceps surae, or the calf muscles attaching to the Achilles tendon. If these muscles become overly tight, the heel bone is pulled posteriorly, contributing to fascial stretching and inflammation. Tightness in these muscles is THE predisposing risk factor in Achilles tendon rupture.
A common sequella of plantar fascitis is a heel spur. The body deals with inflammation by laying down calcium in the tissue. Calcium can harden into bone, and a heel spur is exactly that: calcification of the plantar fascia (and sometimes the Achilles tendon).
If the previously mentioned muscles are balanced properly, each of the scenarios above can find relief. (Achilles tendon rupture requires surgical repair first, but with corrected muscles healing is accelerated and pain is more easily managed.)
Pain medications should only be considered for temporary relief. Orthotics may be permanently necessary when there are anatomical deformations. Surgery is rarely necessary and should only be considered when other options are exhausted.
The most affordable and conservative treatment is by a chiropractic applied kinesiologist. A professional applied kinesiologist isolates these muscles and manually tests them. If they are found weak, (s)he will test the best way to strengthen them. This may require spinal or extremity adjustment, massage, acupuncture/acupressure or nutritional therapy.
There is no need to suffer any longer. Seek out the nearest professional applied kinesiologist and get relief. For information on how to find a professional applied kinesiologist, visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online.
This is textbook plantar fascitis. The plantar fascia is a tough sheet of connective tissue which stretches across the sole of the foot from the ball to the heel. It spans the arch of the foot like the string of a bow. (The bow would be the bones of the foot which form the arch.) Add gravity to the equation and it is obvious that the fascia must stretch under the entire weight of the body. One problem: The plantar fascia doesn't like to be stretched. When it is stretched, it becomes inflamed and voila: plantar fascitis.
At first look, it appears nature has a faulty design, but one more component requires consideration: The muscles. There are several muscles whose job it is to hold up the arch of the foot and maintain proper biomechanics. Anterior and posterior tibialis are just two major players. The foot also has its own intrinsic muscles which fortify the arch. If they become neurologically inhibited (weakened), the arch will fall and the fascia is all that remains. These muscles are innervated by the lower lumbar and sacral cord levels in the back which join to form the sciatic nerve and eventually travel through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle. Ergo, any lumbosacral (low back) misalignment or tarsal tunnel syndrome due to ankle dysfunction can inhibit (weaken) these muscles. All must be properly assessed and ruled out.
Another muscle to consider would be the triceps surae, or the calf muscles attaching to the Achilles tendon. If these muscles become overly tight, the heel bone is pulled posteriorly, contributing to fascial stretching and inflammation. Tightness in these muscles is THE predisposing risk factor in Achilles tendon rupture.
A common sequella of plantar fascitis is a heel spur. The body deals with inflammation by laying down calcium in the tissue. Calcium can harden into bone, and a heel spur is exactly that: calcification of the plantar fascia (and sometimes the Achilles tendon).
If the previously mentioned muscles are balanced properly, each of the scenarios above can find relief. (Achilles tendon rupture requires surgical repair first, but with corrected muscles healing is accelerated and pain is more easily managed.)
Pain medications should only be considered for temporary relief. Orthotics may be permanently necessary when there are anatomical deformations. Surgery is rarely necessary and should only be considered when other options are exhausted.
The most affordable and conservative treatment is by a chiropractic applied kinesiologist. A professional applied kinesiologist isolates these muscles and manually tests them. If they are found weak, (s)he will test the best way to strengthen them. This may require spinal or extremity adjustment, massage, acupuncture/acupressure or nutritional therapy.
There is no need to suffer any longer. Seek out the nearest professional applied kinesiologist and get relief. For information on how to find a professional applied kinesiologist, visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online.
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Want to find out more about applied kinesiology, then visit Kinesis Healthcare to choose the best Glen Ellyn chiropractor for your needs.
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