What is Plantar Fasciitis
It is a condition that affects around one in ten people at some point in their lives. It’s also
known as “jogger’s heel” – although you don’t have to be a runner to develop it. Luckily, it
usually gets better in time, but treatment may speed up your recovery.
Your plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue (like a ligament) that stretches from your heel
(calcaneum) to your middle foot bones. It supports the arch of your foot and works by
expanding as we step down and contracting as we lift off. This spring mechanism is thought
to help conserve energy, much like wearing springy trainers do, also acts as a shock
absorber in your foot.
The ‘itises of plantar fasciitis refer to the inflammation caused by micro injury to this tissue.

How common is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is common. Around 4-7% of people will develop plantar fasciitis at some
time in their lives and it accounts for 11-15% of all foot problems that require professional

treatment. It is most common in people between the ages of 40 to 60 years. However, it can
occur at any age. It is slightly more common in women than in men. It is also common in
athletes.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common symptom of Plantar Fasciitis is intense pain, which typically occurs when
taking the first steps, when you put pressure on the foot while walking. This pain can be
anywhere on the underside of your heel. However, commonly, one spot is found as the
main source of pain. This is often about 4 cm forward from your heel and may be tender to
touch.
The pain is often worst when you take your first steps on getting up in the morning or
following long periods of inactivity. Other common symptoms may include:

1. Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking
2. Stiffness and discomfort in the heel and arch of the foot.
3. Pain that may be sharp, burning or throbbing in nature
4. Swelling and tenderness in the heel area.

Gentle exercise may ease things a little as the day goes by. However, a long walk or being on
your feet for long periods often makes the pain worse. Resting your foot usually eases the
pain – this can be very frustrating for people who are trying to improve their fitness levels by
taking up running!

Sudden stretching of the bottom of your foot may make the pain worse – for example,
walking upstairs or on tiptoes. You may limp because of pain. Some people have plantar
fasciitis in both feet at the same time.

How do you test for plantar fasciitis?
At In Flow Chiropractic, we will do an assessment of your foot, applying pressure and testing
its structures to determine the point of injury and which of the tissues are involved. We will
ask for your clinical history, your symptoms, their onset, and your daily activities.

What happens if plantar fasciitis goes untreated?
If left untreated, symptoms may persist for longer and can get worse. At the time of injury,
inflammation will occur and is an important part of the natural healing process of that
tissue. If the inflammation persists for a long period, this can be detrimental to and lead to a
chronic condition.

Will plantar fasciitis ever go away?
Yes! It most definitely will. Like with any area of the body, it just needs to be given the
opportunity to recover and regenerate. At In Flow Chiropractic, we prime your body for
healing by rebalancing the tension in your nerves and musculoskeletal system.

Can plantar fasciitis be cured?

Most definitely! You have the capacity to heal your heels, but you will need to make some
changes.

How long do plantar fasciitis flare ups last?
This all depends on whether you are willing to put your feet up and let them rest! Plantar
fascia flare-ups can continue on for weeks to months if left untreated or ignored.

What exercises should you avoid with plantar fasciitis?
Rest is very important when recovering from plantar fasciitis. Running and jumping activities
are the main culprits here so drastically reducing these will speed up your recovery time.

Can a chiropractor do anything for plantar fasciitis?
Yes! Getting your body rebalanced is going to speed up your recovery. At In Flow
Chiropractic, we provide chiropractic adjustments which ensure your body’s biomechanics
are working at their optimum so that your muscles, tendons, and ligaments are balanced,
your joints are healthy and mobile, and your body has the best opportunity to regenerate.

Conclusion
In summary, easy does it. If you have been affected due to a rapid increase in mobility, then
follow a training programme that will give your body a chance to strengthen up to the task
your mind is set on achieving.
You’ll greatly reduce the chance of injury and therefore avoid the frustration of hopping on
and off the bandwagon, so to speak.
For your longevity, joint health, and general well-being, having someone who can guide and
support your body and your lifestyle will have much greater results.
If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, be sure to get chiropractic adjustments and
checkups regularly to ensure your body is reorganising and recovering in a healthy and
balanced way.
Just a little extra self-care and love could save yourself from the restricting symptoms of
plantar fasciitis.