Plantar Fasciitis Caused by Foot Imbalance and Pronation

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

Plantar means “bottom of the foot,” fascia means “connective tissue,” and the suffix “-itis” refers to inflammation. That’s where the term plantar fasciitis is derived.

Common foot imbalances, including dropped or fallen arches, contribute greatly to the development of plantar fasciitis due to long-term strain created in the muscles 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 inflamed tissue while getting rid of by-products created by normal muscle and connective tissue metabolism.

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

One approach is to seek the consultation of an Applied Kinesiologist. This type of doctor, often trained in chiropractic, may evaluate structural as well as nutritional and other factors that could affect recovery.

In many instances, a properly fitted custom orthotic may help support foot mechanics after the foot has been evaluated and treated. This process doesn’t occur overnight, but reducing strain on the muscles and tendons can give the tissues an opportunity to recover.

Plantar fasciitis can affect both women and men. A number of factors can contribute to its development, including foot mechanics, activity level, footwear, and repetitive stress.

Common signs of a foot imbalance may include foot, ankle, knee, hip, and low back discomfort. The development of a bunion on the great toe may also occur along with changes in foot mechanics, including changes involving the metatarsal or medial longitudinal arches of the foot. Once a bunion has formed, an orthotic is unlikely to reverse the structural deformity, although appropriate footwear and orthotic support may help manage mechanical stress.

Nutrition and overall lifestyle may also play a role in supporting normal tissue recovery. See my list of food ingredients to avoid for additional information about food choices.

At Chapel Hill Chiropractic Centre, treatment for plantar fasciitis may incorporate chiropractic and soft-tissue techniques based on the findings of an individual examination. Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying mechanical factors and the individual patient’s needs.

Please contact our office to speak with our physician about your individual needs.

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