Waking Up To A Stabbing Pain In Your Heel?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Body movement is a dynamic interplay of muscles, ligaments, and bones. Even the simple act of walking involves a high tension balancing act: as you step forward, your entire body weight shifts from your heel to your toes. This tremendous force is transferred primarily by a thick ligament called the plantar fascia. Whether from age or injury, damage to the plantar fascia can cause it to partially detach from the heel. This painful form of ligament sprain is called plantar fasciitis.
It is one of the most common types of heel injuries, and the causes are various. Age is a risk factor, as it typically affects people between 40 and 60 years old. Often, the injury is a result of repetitive activities, like running, jumping, or dancing. Overuse, stretching, and high impacts can create small tears in the ligament.
For other people, the damage may result from misaligned body positioning. Pronation (aka “flat feet”), or when the foot is turned inward, places additional stress where the ligament meets the heel. Similarly, tight calf muscles may alter the tension on the foot. High arches or worn out footwear can also contribute to the condition.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Take note if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
“Stabbing” or “shooting” pain in your heel
Aching or tenderness along the bottom of your foot
Pain is worst first thing in the morning. The tightness may loosen as the day goes on and the ligament “warms up”
You may find it useful to bring your athletic shoes to your consultation. This way, your doctor can review them for wear and tear and how they may impact your body movement.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, we recommend you come in for a consultation. Make an appointment online anytime.
We are Here to Help
Our mission is to provide a timely and sustainable recovery. We practice a wide range of evidence-based techniques to aid in your recovery, customized for each patient.
Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment to help restore your full range of motion.
Therapy modalities such as cold laser or electric stimulation to minimize muscle tightness, pain, and swelling.
Therapeutic stretching to increase your flexibility. Neuromuscular Massage Therapy to improve circulation and reduce pain.
Orthotics for foot and lower limb alignment.
Connectx Therapy to strip muscle adhesions for improved range of motion, increased flexibility and circulation.
Kinesiology Taping to decompress the tissue immediately below the skin improving circulation and the sliding and gliding between tissue layers.
Exercise and training review to schedule your return to the activities you enjoy.
Irondequoit Chiropractic Center is proud to have served the Rochester community for more than 20 years. You can schedule an appointment anytime by contacting our office.
