Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition typically causes a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move more, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or after rising from sitting.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
– Excessive Foot Strain: Overuse such as long periods of standing, walking, or running, particularly on hard surfaces.
– Poor Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, a high arch, or even an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing and put added stress on the plantar fascia.
– Improper Footwear: Shoes that do not provide adequate support and cushioning can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
– Weight: Obesity can put extra stress on the plantar fascia.
– Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
– Certain Types of Exercise: Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long- distance running, ballet dancing, and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
– Pain: Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel.
– Stiffness: May be felt in the morning or after being stationary for a while.
– Worsens with Activity: The pain isn’t usually felt during activity but rather just after stopping.
How Osteopathy Can Help with Plantar Fasciitis
1. Manual Therapy: Osteopaths may use various techniques to reduce tension and pain in the plantar fascia. These can include soft tissue massage to the arch and heel area, and myofascial release techniques along the fascia to encourage relaxation and healing.
2. Mobilisation: Gentle joint mobilisations may be used to correct any misalignments in the foot or ankle that could be contributing to stress on the plantar fascia.
3. Improving Circulation: Techniques to enhance blood flow to the foot can facilitate healing and reduce pain sensations.
4. Correcting Biomechanical Issues: Osteopaths look at the overall biomechanics of walking and standing. They might provide treatment for issues in the legs, hips, or back that contribute to abnormal foot mechanics.
5. Exercise Recommendations: Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises can be particularly beneficial. For example, stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and strengthening calf muscles help relieve pressure on the plantar fascia.
6. Advice on Footwear and Orthotics: Guidance on proper footwear and the use of orthotics can provide the necessary arch support to alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the plantar fascia.
Integrating Osteopathic Care for Plantar Fasciitis
Incorporating osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis by addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of the condition. It’s recommended to complement these treatments with proper footwear, adequate rest, and possibly anti-inflammatory medications as advised by a healthcare provider. With consistent management, most people recover from plantar fasciitis and return to their normal activities without lasting pain.
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