The day looks promising until you step out of bed and are hit with excruciating foot pain. A sharp pain shoots across your foot from the heel. It feels like you have just stepped onto your child’s lego block. As the day progresses the pain lessens until the same thing happens tomorrow morning. Now what? You google your heel pain symptoms, and the best description you can find says you have Plantar Fasciitis.

What exactly is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain and discomfort in the heel and the bottom of the foot. Studies show that 7 to 10% of people will experience Plantar Fasciitis at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common causes of foot pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar fascia is overworked or overstretched, it can become inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis.

This condition can cause a sharp or dull pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot and can be especially noticeable in the mornings when you first get out of bed or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis heel pain is commonly caused by overuse or overstretching of the plantar fascia. This can happen is in the following way:

1. Poor Foot Mechanics: Certain foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, can put extra strain on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
2. Tight Calves: Tight calf muscles can put extra strain on the plantar fascia, causing it to become inflamed.
3. Age: Getting old is not for the faint-hearted they say. And “they” would be correct. As we age, our feet and legs tend to lose strength and flexibility, which can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
4. Obesity: Excessive weight puts extra stress on the feet, including the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
5. Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support or have worn-out soles can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. The overwearing of high heels can also contribute to Plantar Fasciitis.
6. Occupation: People who spend long hours standing or walking on hard surfaces are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
7. Abnormal Gait: People who have an abnormal gait, such as limping, can put extra stress on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

So does this mean my foot is doomed to a lifetime of pain?
The good news is that for the most part, Plantar Fasciitis symptoms can be fixed without surgery and with the right treatment. Seeing an Osteopathic Therapist (OMT) can be a step in the right direction of getting that spring back into your day.

So can Osteopathy help?

Osteopathy can definitely help relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

• Osteopathy is a holistic form of healthcare focusing on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, and joints. An Osteopath can assess the way that you move and walk, and help identify any factors that may be contributing to your plantar fasciitis.
• They can also use manual techniques, such as stretching and massaging, to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia.
• In addition to these manual techniques, an osteopath may also recommend exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle. This can help reduce the risk of further injury and promote healing.

It’s important to note that everyone is different and that the specific treatment plan for plantar fasciitis will depend on the individual. However, with the right care and attention, most people with Plantar Fasciitis can experience significant relief from their symptoms and get back to their daily activities.

What will happen if I just do nothing about it?

Ignoring ongoing plantar fasciitis can result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities.You’re likely to change your walk to try to avoid that horrible standing-on-lego plantar fasciitis pain, which might lead to foot, knee, hip, or back problems. It is always better to treat plantar fasciitis before it gets worse.

In conclusion

If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your heel or the bottom of your foot, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. If you have plantar fasciitis, osteopathy can be a safe and effective way to relieve your symptoms and promote healing. With the right care and attention, you can get back to enjoying your daily activities and walking tall again.

Where can I find an Osteopathic Manipulation Therapist?

Dr. Basedow provides Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT) and other treatments to improve your plantar fasciitis pain. Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy is a non-surgical approach to relieving joint pain.

Dr. Basedow is the Medical Director at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center located at 1000 Ashland Drive, Suite 303, Ashland, KY 41101. Dr. Basedow and his staff serve patients in and around Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Ironville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Cannonsburg, Union, Huntington, Westmoreland, Proctorville, East Pea Ridge, and Barboursville.