Plantar fasciitis and Osteopathy
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult. You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you have:
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Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)
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Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces.
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Sudden weight gain or obesity
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Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)
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Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles
Plantar fasciitis is seen in both men and women. However, it most often affects active men ages 40 – 70. It is one of the most common orthopaedic complaints relating to the foot. Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.
Osteopathy
Osteopathic treatment techniques will be applied to muscles in the foot that are associated with the problem, which can help healing. The treatments used will be aimed to reduce discomfort but if the problem persists, a more integrated approach may be required. The key to treatment is to remove the irritation on the plantar fascia, so understanding the reason why it gets irritated is crucial. This may means having a look at the entire body, and not just your foot.
I will also explain to you how to do rehabilitation exercises or stretches through to complete recovery and help to prevent re-occurrence. neck pain
What to do next to get treatment for plantar fasciitis
If you think you are suffering from any of the above conditions or anything else, please contact me in clinic at this link for advice and to book an appointment.