Plantarfasciitis
The plantar fascia extends from the heel bone (calcaneus) and down the sole of the foot. It consists of connective tissue that is thick and fibrous. When you have plantar fasciitis, it simply means that for some reason, this band if connective tissue is painfully inflamed.
Plantarfasciitis usually occurs as a result of long periods of weight bearing activities such as running. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing plantarfasciitis. Although overuse is the most common cause of plantarfasciitis, certain anatomical abnormalities can lead to plantarfasciitis such as overpronation, leg length differences, and hip hike (muscle imbalance of the low back muscles). Functional problems such as tightness of the Achilles tendon, foot muscles and calf muscles can also cause plantarfasciitis.
The pain is most intense upon waking and taking those first few steps. The pain is felt at the heel and dorsiflexion of the ankle is usually decreased. Dorsiflexion of the ankle means the motion used to bend the foot and bring your toes towards your shin bone. Pain is usually lessened as the day progresses and the area is warmed up with activity.
Chronic cases of plantarfasciitis can lead to degenerative changes as well as structural problems. Eventual knee pain, lower back problems and hip problems are common in patients with plantarfasciitis.
The feet, knees, hip joints and spine are all correlated and a problem in one area can lead to a problem in another area. Lower back problems can cause abnormal gait and compensation by the hip and knee joints leading to injury. Abnormal gait caused by foot problems or something as simple as poor footwear can lead to knee, hip and lower back problems.
Treatment for plantarfasciitis after proper evaluation may include neuromuscular therapy, ultrasound and e stem, myofascial release, AIS stretching, strengthening, and or orthotics and pelvic stabilizers. Full evaluation of the feet and lower body can determine what is causing your foot pain as well as pinpoint any potential musculoskeletal problems in the lower back and lower extremities that may stem from plantarfasciitis.
At the heart of any musculoskeletal injury in the lower extremities, there is a process taking place that is the body’s normal response to any injury or degenerative condition. There are three phases to healing, during which time there are specific treatments necessary to promote faster more efficient healing to avoid chronic pain in the future.
The first phase is inflammation, which is the body’s way of attempting to protect an area that is injured. Inflammation, along with nerve entrapment can cause painful compression of the nerves and other components.
As well, proper fluid movement is hampered. This means that nourishing, healing fluids are restricted and toxic fluids from the injury remain in the tissue. Addressing this inflammation is crucial to the healing process. Passive motion should be used at this point to reduce the inflammation.
The second phase is the repair phase where your body attempts to replace the damaged tissue with new collagen. Nutritional supplements such as vitamin C are essential to this process.
The third phase is the remodeling phase in which the new collagen needs to be properly aligned. This new collagen is irregular and in order for it to function properly, it needs a little help being “modeled” with various techniques.
Plantarfasciitis pain in Clearwater, FL is common, but the good news is that at Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center, Frank Pugni is here to help! Frank’s unique approach to plantarfasciitis and extending musculoskeletal problems in Clearwater, FL and surrounding areas is a revolutionary way of treating not only plantarfasciitis foot pain, but virtually any painful musculoskeletal problem throughout the body.
Pain relief is right around the corner with Frank’s perfect skill set that marries several disciplines and brings you the best of many specialties that are highly effective in restoring musculoskeletal health. Feel free to click around the site and learn about what Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center can offer you! Be sure to play the patient testimonial movie to hear how Frank gave his patients a new lease on pain free lives!
