Life today often demands constant activity from our feet. 

However, few people are aware of the importance of taking care of this essential part of the body, which in itself constitutes a complex architecture of joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. 

Among the problems that can affect the health of our feet, one of the most common is undoubtedly plantar fasciitis. 

It may sound like a strange term, but it's actually an ailment that affects the band of elastic tissue (fascia) that extends from the heel bone to the toes, and underlies the arch of our foot. 

When irritation and inflammation settle in this area, we speak of plantar fasciitis. 

So what can you do about it? 🤔

Chiropractic care can offer a promising solution for plantar fasciitis sufferers. 

In the following article, we'll break down what plantar fasciitis really is, and look at the effectiveness of chiropractic in treating it.

Discover the first part of our exploration of plantar fasciitis. 

What is plantar fasciitis?

To better understand the problem of plantar fasciitis, let's first look at its definition and manifestations.

This widespread condition is more than just pain: it masks a complex pathology affecting the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue essential for the mobility of our feet. 👇

Definition of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, accounting for around 11% to 15% of the foot ailments people present to their doctor. 

It is characterized by a sharp pain, often described as the sting of a needle or a sharp knife, which strikes the heel of the foot, particularly during the first steps in the morning. 

This pain may diminish after a few minutes of activity, but can often return after prolonged periods of standing or when rising from a seated position. 

Plantar fasciitis is the result of tension or inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of elastic fibrous tissue that extends from the base of your heel to your toes. 

It acts as a kind of spring, absorbing shocks and supporting the arch of your foot during your daily movements. 

Excessive stress or repetitive stretching of the fascia can lead to microscopic tears, resulting in inflammation and pain - plantar fasciitis. 

The different types of plantar fasciitis

Although we talk about plantar fasciitis as a specific condition, there are actually a few different variations of this condition. 

The location of the pain and the specific activity or movement that triggers the pain may vary depending on the type of plantar fasciitis you have. 

Medial plantar fasciitis, for example, manifests itself as pain on the inner side of the heel, and is usually most acute with the first steps in the morning. 

Central plantar fasciitis is a more general pain in the middle of the heel, while the less common lateral plantar fasciitis causes pain on the outer side of the heel. 

Who is this type of problem for?

Plantar fasciitis doesn't discriminate and can affect anyone, whatever their age or physical condition. 

However, some people are more susceptible to this condition.

For example, athletes, especially those who play high-impact sports or have their weight often on their toes, such as running, soccer and basketball, are more likely to be affected due to the high pressure exerted on their feet. 

Dancers and gymnasts are also at risk, as they exert high levels of tension on their plantar fascia.

Overweight or obese people can also be affected, due to the increased pressure their weight adds to the tension on the fascia. 

Travellers walking in soft sand or people in a squatting position can also suffer from this condition.

What's more, as we age, our fascias lose their elasticity and become more susceptible to tearing, which is why plantar fasciitis is more common in the elderly. For this reason, massage is recommended.

Similarly, people who spend much of their day on their feet, especially on hard surfaces, can also be prone to plantar fasciitis.

It is therefore advisable to consult your chiropractor for an accurate diagnosis if you feel intense pain in the heel of your foot.

Causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that generally manifests itself as persistent heel pain. 

Understanding its causes and symptoms is an essential first step to better grasping the issue and glimpsing potential solutions. 👇

Common causes of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is generally caused by a number of factors. Overuse of the plantar fascia, one of the tissues supporting the arch of the foot, prolonged walking or inappropriate footwear can exert excessive pressure on the foot and cause inflammation.

In addition, conditions such as being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 

It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience this type of persistent pain. 

Our team at Chiro Ste-Rose is equipped to make a precise diagnosis based on a detailed clinical assessment, and can guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.

Impact of plantar fasciitis on quality of life

Plantar fasciitis can have a significant impact on quality of life. The pain can be intense enough to affect your daily activities. 

Walking, exercising and even tasks as simple as shopping can become a challenge. 

How can chiropractic help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis?

Let's explore how chiropractic can offer targeted and effective relief from the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, addressing the very roots of the problem through specific manipulation techniques and care tailored to each patient. 👇

Principles of chiropractic care

Chiropractic is a non-drug health discipline that aims to maintain and improve health through care tailored to the needs of each individual patient. 

It is based on an in-depth understanding of the body and its connections. 

In particular, it targets the spinal column, peripheral joints and nervous system to maintain proper function. 

Chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis

For plantar fasciitis, chiropractic can be considered to relieve pain and improve foot mobility. 

Through precise adjustments of the ankle and foot joints, the chiropractor can act on the foot's biomechanics. 

Chiropractic can also help strengthen the foot and prevent future injuries, by advising on the importance of good posture and proper footwear. 

Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can also be suggested to improve arch flexibility and strength.

At Chiro Ste-Rose, we offer a holistic, individualized approach to helping patients with plantar fasciitis by focusing on education, amplifying ankle and foot mobility and improving local stability. 

Ultrasound treatment can accelerate healing.

It should be noted that every patient is different, so it's essential that the care plan is tailored to each individual.

Solutions at Chiro Ste-Rose

Find out how at Chiro Ste-Rose, we offer tailor-made solutions for every patient, taking into account your specific needs to provide the right treatment for plantar fasciitis. 👇

Our personalized approach

At Chiro Ste-Rose, we firmly believe that each individual is unique. 

That's why we offer our patients a personalized approach. 

Our goal is to create a chiropractic care program that specifically addresses your health needs. 

During the initial consultation, we carefully assess your condition, your health history and your expectations regarding chiropractic care. 

We will then develop a treatment strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Our specific techniques

Aware that plantar fasciitis is a painful and often recurring condition, we use a range of specific techniques to effectively treat the problem. 

From chiropractic adjustments, strengthening and stretching exercises, to manual therapy, we have the know-how to manage this condition. 

These techniques aim to reduce inflammation, improve mobility and strengthen your foot muscles.

Chiropractic care sessions at the clinic

Our chiropractic care sessions always begin with an assessment of your current situation. 

This allows us to adjust the treatment plan as your condition evolves. 

Next, chiropractic treatment is applied, which could include manual adjustments, movement therapy or soft-tissue techniques. 

We will work with you to draw up a treatment plan and carry out exercises at home.

Contact us!

Taking care of your health is an investment that will help you live better in the long term. 

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can affect your mobility and quality of life. 

At Clinique Chiro Ste-Rose, we offer customized chiropractic care to help manage this condition. 🧑‍⚕️

More than a temporary solution, we aim to help you improve your health with lasting results.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please follow this link to our online agenda. 🖥️

We'll be delighted to help you on your way to better health.