Plantar Fascitis Commonly Caused by Long Term Foot Imbalance and Pronation

The first step out of bed in the morning can be a painful one, particularly if you have plantar fascitis.

Plantar means 'bottom of the foot', Fasciae means the 'connective tissue', and (Fasc) "itis" tells us that the tissue is inflammed ("-itis"). That's where Plantar Fascitis is derived.

Common foot imbalances, included dropped or fallen arches contribute greatly to the development of plantar fascitis due to long-term strain that is created in the muscle and surrounding tissues. Not only does your body need to send minerals, vitamins, proteins and other factors to the tissue to allow it to repair, the tissue also needs to be able to flush itself out. In other words, you need materials to repair the inflammed tissue, meanwhile get rid of toxic by-products created by normal muscle and connective tissue metabolism.

This essentially opens a can of worms when it comes to treating plantar fascitis because it allows us to recognize that their are structural components (muscles, joints, tendons, tissues, etc.) as well as chemical components (b-vitamins, hormones, antioxidants, omega 3 and 6 fats, etc.) that need to be addressed to completely correct a case of plantar fascitis.

The best first approach is to seek the consult of an Applied Kinesiologist. This type of doctor, usually trained in Chiropractic, has the ability to evaluate the structural as well as the chemical factors preventing your healing.

In many instances, a properly fitted CUSTOM orthotic will help to maintain any imbalances of the foot after the foot has been evaluated and treated. This process doesn't occur overnight, but it typically relieves pain and discomfort within a short period of time, meanwhile allowing the muscles and tendons a chance to recover from their previously strained state.

The occurrence of plantar fascitis commonly affects women more than men. The reasons can be multiple, but the underlying difference probably lies in the sensitivity of the female hormone system, diet, nutrition, and susceptibility to stress.

Common signs of a foot imbalance include foot, ankle, knee, hip, and low back pain. The development of a bunion on the Great Toe is also a clear sign of a foot imbalance, generally due to a fallen meta-tarsal arch or fallen medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Once a bunion has formed, an orthotic is unlikely to correct it, but it will certainly keep the bunion from getting significantly worse.

Adherence to a semi-strict nutrition program and eating style provides a lot of relief to fatigued muscles and other joints that are not repairing or healing well. See my list of food ingredients to avoid to get yourself pointed in the right direction to eating better. It is also reccommendation to follow the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Cleanse as a method of initiating a change in diet. This process helps curb cravings and other poor food habits, meanwhile allowing you to eat all you want, lose weight, and gently cleanse the bowels, liver, gallbladder, and other organs of detoxification.

In order to provide fast relief of Plantar Fascitis, a combination of chiropractic techniques have been developed in our office, including chiropractic manipulation, myofascial release, reflexology, and acupuncture. A combination of one or all of these techniques usually offers significant relief of pain in the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot. These results will often be permanent if the proper lifestyle modifications can be made. Please call our office to speak with our physician about your individual needs.