Healthy Everytime

Prior to describing just exactly what Plantar Fasciitis is, we first need to know which part of the foot it affects. And before we do that we need to have a clear understanding of the anatomy of the foot.

There are a total of 26 bones in the foot. The toes contain 14 of these bones with three per toe, except the big toe, which only has two bones. These bones are arranged into three different arches which assist the foot in negotiating alterations in terrain. These arches are labeled as the transverse arch, the medial and lateral longitudinal arches.

The main arch associated with plantar fasciitis is the medial longitudinal arch located along the inside of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick, wide ligament which attaches to the calcaneus (heel bone) and travels to the metatarsal heads (balls of the feet) and into the toes. If the plantar fascia is placed under an increased amount of strain, the ligament begins to over-stretch and tear. If the foot is not weight-bearing for a prolonged period of time, such as while sleeping, the body begins to lay down scar tissue in order to try healing the tear. When the person stands up again, the plantar fascia begins to stretch and the newly formed scar tissue tears. This results in the notion that the first step out of bed in the morning is when the pain is at its worst.
There are two main methods for the plantar fascia to undergo an increase in tension. One situation that increases tension is weight gain. This may be due to inactivity, an increase in caloric intake, or pregnancy. The weight gain puts more strain on the bottom of the foot causing a stretch of the medial longitudinal arch. This results in over-stretching of the plantar fascia, leading to plantar fasciitis.

The second situation which could cause Plantar Fasciitis is having an improper walking gait or foot biomechanics. Normally when we walk, the majority of the weight is transferred from the outside of the heel to the outside of the foot. However with improper mechanics, the weight is transferred to the inside of the foot causing the plantar fascia to overstretch and tear once again.
The main problem that has been found with foot biomechanics is what is called an overpronation syndrome. Overpronation is when walking, we roll over too much on the inside of the foot. Doing so puts excessive strain on the above mentioned medial longitudinal arch and the tearing of the plantar fascia begins.

The treatment of Plantar Fasciitis can be accomplished in a few ways. The first of course of to lose the extra pounds which are adding to the problem. If this is not the case then paying a visit to your chiropractic professional to have your foot adjusted could well be in order. Don’t be surprised if you are advised to roll a golf ball or similar object under your foot to help strip away the scar tissue. But be careful not to roll too hard and bruise your foot in the process.
Our heels can move in two directions - diagonally forward and diagonally backward. As we walk the heel moves backwards from the weight-bearing pressure and tension from the Achilles tendon. A visit to your chiropractic professional could result in an adjustment which moves your heel forward to relieve plantar fascia tension and help alleviate your symptoms. If this is not effective, a pair of custom-fit insoles may be required to help straighten your walking gait.