Understand Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Non-Surgical Treatment Options with Vancouver Chiropractor
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects millions of people each year. It can cause pain and discomfort in the heel or arch of the foot, making it difficult to walk or stand for extended periods. While the condition can be frustrating, there are several non-surgical treatment options available to help reduce pain and improve mobility.
As a Vancouver chiropractor who specializes in orthotics, I am committed to helping my patients overcome this issue and other foot-related problems. In this blog post, I will discuss what causes plantar fasciitis, how it presents, and the different non-surgical treatment options available to Vancouver Orthotic Clinics patients.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated small tears to the plantar fascia. These tears can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Overuse: Activities that put a lot of stress on the feet, such as running or standing for long periods, can cause plantar fasciitis.
Poor Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, and abnormal walking patterns can also cause plantar fasciitis.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t fit properly or don’t provide adequate support can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent further damage and alleviate pain. At Vancouver Orthotic Clinics, we specialize in non-surgical treatment options for plantar fasciitis, including custom orthotics and physical therapy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help improve your foot health.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common symptom is a pain in the heel or arch of the foot. The pain may be sharp or dull and is often worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Other symptoms may include:
- Stiffness or tightness in the foot
- Swelling or redness in the affected area
- Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
While surgery may be necessary in severe cases, non-surgical treatment options are often effective in reducing pain and improving mobility. Some of the most common non-surgical treatment options for plantar fasciitis include:
- Custom Orthotics: Custom-made orthotics can help redistribute pressure on the foot, improve foot mechanics, and reduce pain.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles in the foot and ankle, improving mobility and reducing pain.
- Footwear Modification: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and good arch support can help reduce pressure on the affected foot and provide more room for the toes to move.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area and reduce pain.
- Cold Laser Therapy: This therapy involves using low-level lasers to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Vancouver Orthotic Clinics, our team of experts can help develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your pain and improve your foot health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards relief.
