Anyone and everyone who knows about good health tells us that our overall well-being must include activity and exercise. Every part of our body benefits from healthy movement. Generally speaking, most beneficial actions include our feet, so it would seem that they were designed for a lot of use, right? Absolutely! But they weren’t made for abuse.
The average, able-bodied person takes three-to-five thousand steps per day, not to mention activities like running and aerobic exercise. However, too often those steps are taken by people walking improperly, with clumsy gait patterns and inappropriate posture
Moreover, many men and women wear badly-designed, improperly-fitting shoes. Ambulating from place to place on feet that are prevented from operating properly will create aches and pains in the feet, and other places in the body, too. A case in point: If someone over-pronates (walks like a duck) while wearing a pair of unevenly-worn or incorrectly-made shoes, or in any pair of high heels, that individual’s future will hold not only foot and ankle challenges, but will likely result in painful conditions in the back, knees and legs.
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 many factors that contribute to the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. When calf muscles get short and tight they exert 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? In addition to running and jumping activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis, the wearing of high heels can create the problem.
Other elements that can be instrumental in producing Plantar Fascitis include sudden effortful activity after a period of extended inactivity, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (barefooted, in particular), abnormal movement patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, and obesity.
Once developed, Plantar Fascitis is frequently not easy to manage and can become intensely painful and tenacious. Without proper attention, Plantar Fascitis will only get worse.
If you are suffering from heel pain, your chiropractor will be able to establish the reason for your problem and what chiropractic therapies would be best suited. Treatment might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, kinesio taping and, in some cases, orthotics.
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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