We all know that movement is beneficial for every part of body, right? In fact, our overall good health is highly influenced by our getting regular physical exercise. If that’s the case, why do so many individuals suffer from aches and pains in their feet? After all, our feet are made for walking, aren’t they? Yes, but they aren’t made for exploitation.
The normal, healthy human takes 3,000-5,000 steps each day, not including activities such as running and aerobic exercise. But, many times those steps are taken by individuals walking inadequately, with poor gait patterns and inappropriate posture.
In addition, a significant number of individuals wear inadequately-designed, poorly-fitting shoes. Walking, and exercising, on feet that are inhibited from moving as they were meant to cannot help but to produce painful problems not only in a variety of places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, as well. For instance, if an individual over-pronates (walks like a duck) in shoes that are badly-made, are worn unevenly, or have high heels, that person will likely have challenges in the back, knees and legs, as well as problems in the foot and ankle.
One of the most recognized foot problems is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is generally caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a wonderfully-formed, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, reinforces the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock. It goes without saying, then, that the healthy action of the plantar fascia is vital for pain-free walking and exercise.
There are quite a few elements that can be considered reasons for the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. When calf muscles get short and tight they apply a strong pull on the back of the heel bone, producing undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia. What causes calf muscles to get short and tight? Aside from running and jumping activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis, and, again, the wearing of any high heels can produce the condition.
Other determinants that contribute to Plantar Fascitis include sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, abnormal gait patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity.
Once an individual develops Plantar Fascitis, the condition is generally difficult to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. Without appropriate treatment, Plantar Fascitis will only worsen.
Once developed, Plantar Fascitis is often hard to deal with and results in intense, persistent pain that won’t go away without proper treatment. If you are suffering from the pain of Plantar Fascitis, your chiropractor will be able to determine which chiropractic therapies would be most beneficial. Ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics, are often a part of chiropractic management of heel pain.
Dr. Jamie Phillips is a Santa Barbara Chiropractor. Her practice is located at 601 E. Arrellaga St. #201, Santa Barbara, CA 93013. She has 24 years of expertise and has helped hundreds of patients with foot pain. Give her Santa Barbara Chiropractic office a call, she can help!
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