Plantar Fasciitis
Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis causes pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a thick band of tissue which runs through the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar Fasciitis normally causes sharp stabbing pain especially in the morning with your first steps.
- Stabbing pain and stiffness at the bottom of the heel
- Pain is usually worst in the morning with the first few steps
- People who are on their feet all day will usually experience pain towards the end of the day
- Climbing stairs as it stretches the stiff Achilles tendon
- Increased levels of activity in non-supportive shoes due to increased inflammation will cause pain
- Pain is relieved by taking pressure off the foot
What causes Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is more common in women than men between the age of 40-60.
- Obesity
- Have flat feet or an unusually high arch
- A new form of exercise or increasing the intensity of your exercise e.g. running, ballet dancing, dance aerobics
- Standing for long periods of time each day
- Wearing high heel shoes
- Wearing shoes with no support or that are worn out
- Have other medical conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Tight Achilles tendons
- Abnormal pattern of walking
How can osteopathy or acupuncture help Plantar Fasciitis?
- Your osteopath will perform a detailed past medical history and perform a physical assessment to establish the level of the injury and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment approach
- Your osteopath will review your back, hips and legs and the rest of the body to ensure your walking/running gait is not having a negative impact on your feet
- Osteopaths use gentle massage and manipulative techniques to increase the mobility of the joints and the flexibility of the muscles in the foot
- Osteopaths examine the knee, hip and lower back and may treat any joint restrictions and muscle tightness found which will improve the movement in those joints which will improve the way your ankle moves
- Specific stretches to loosen muscles around the foot as well as balancing and strengthening exercises will be given
- We will offer advice on strapping and brace supports, footwear and lifestyle changes that will help your condition
- We may also refer you for appropriate scans or a podiatrist if necessary
- Acupuncture will consist of a few needles being inserted into your calf and the sole of your foot to reduce local inflammation and increase blood circulation in the feet. Acupuncture has a homeostatic effect by balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve signals in the feet which sends a signal to the brain to stop inflammation and swelling which will help recovery of the condition
Osteopathic Treatments are covered by Private Health Insurance
