What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition that is seen regularly up in the Pilbara. It is defined as pain in the heel or sole of the foot. There is a higher incidence in females than males. 1 in 3 people who suffer from plantar fasciitis will have the condition in both feet.
What causes it?
For years it was seen to be an acute inflammatory disease but in recent years it seems to be more seen with degeneration of the plantar fasciitis. Repetitive stress through the fascia may cause some extremely small tears in the fascia. The constant strain that goes through the foot throughout the day is believed to be why the pain occurs at rest or during sleep.
Risk Factors?
One of the most common risk factors for plantar fasciitis is flat feet. However, we have found new work boots being another large risk factor for plantar fasciitis here in Newman and Tom Price. Due to the stiffness within work boots and long hours the foot is unable to move. Other risk factors also include sudden weight gain (increases pressure put through the foot), Poor ankle mobility (places more strain through the intrinsic foot muscles due to lack of movement), Increase in daily step count (when starting new programs like running or walking the sudden increase in strain can cause plantar fascia pain), Heel spurs (many people have heel spurs and no pain so not necessarily a risk factor but many people that have plantar fasciitis often have a heel spurs).
How is it diagnosed?
Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that does not require imaging to diagnose. Orthopaedic testing can be done to assess the plantar fascia and then palpation helps confirm the diagnosis. Patients can be sent for further imaging if clinicians are wanting to rule out further injuries like stress fractures, sesamoiditis, muscle or tendon tears.
Treatment strategies
Things that can help with plantar fasciitis include; physical therapy, medication, splinting/ orthotics, surgery. Most people fully recover from plantar fasciitis with physical therapy and/ or orthotics. During physical therapy exercises prescription along with massage techniques in the foot have been seen to have quicker reduction in pain and better function. Orthotics may also be found to be beneficial for those with flat feet as improving the arch of the foot can help lower strain through the fascia of the foot.
What can we do at Newman Chiropractic?
Dr Grace (Chiropractor) and Dr Declan (Chiropractor) both have extensive knowledge and experience in treating plantar fasciitis. They are able to provide exercises recommendations for the foot and may also recommend things like Archie Orthotics which have been designed to fit perfectly in the average work boot that is found in the Pilbara region.