How to Heal Your Heel Pain with Chiropractic Care, Laser Shockwave Therapy, and Orthotics
Sep 12, 2023
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from heel pain, you know how frustrating and debilitating it can be. Heel pain can affect your daily activities, your mood, and your quality of life. But what causes heel pain and how can you treat it?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch of your foot and acts as a shock absorber when you walk or run. However, when the plantar fascia is overstretched or overused, it can become inflamed and irritated, causing pain and stiffness in your heel.
Plantar fasciitis can be triggered by many factors, such as:
- Wearing unsupportive shoes that do not fit properly or provide enough cushioning and arch support
- Having a high arch or flat feet that put extra strain on the plantar fascia
- Doing too much physical activity or increasing your intensity or duration too quickly
- Standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces
- Being overweight or obese, which adds more pressure on your feet
- Having tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons that limit the flexibility of your foot
- Aging, which can reduce the elasticity and resilience of your plantar fascia
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
The good news is that plantar fasciitis can be treated with conservative methods that do not require surgery or medication. Some of the common treatments include:
- Resting your foot and avoiding activities that aggravate your pain
- Applying ice to your heel for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Stretching your calf muscles and plantar fascia regularly to improve your flexibility and range of motion
- Wearing a night splint that keeps your foot in a stretched position while you sleep to prevent morning stiffness
- Wearing a heel pad or cup that cushions your heel and distributes the pressure more evenly
However, sometimes these treatments are not enough to resolve your pain or prevent it from recurring. In that case, you might want to consider other options that can help you heal faster and more effectively. These include:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a natural and holistic approach to health that focuses on the alignment and function of your spine and nervous system. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders that affect your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. By using gentle and specific adjustments, chiropractors can correct any misalignments or restrictions in your spine and extremities that may be interfering with the proper functioning of your nervous system and causing pain.
Chiropractic care can help you with plantar fasciitis by:
- Reducing the stress and inflammation on your plantar fascia by improving the alignment and mobility of your foot joints
- Enhancing the blood flow and nerve supply to your foot tissues by removing any nerve interference caused by spinal subluxations
- Improving your posture and gait by correcting any imbalances in your pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles that may be contributing to your foot problem
- Providing you with advice on how to prevent further injury by recommending exercises, stretches, lifestyle changes, and ergonomic modifications
Laser and Shockwave Therapy
Laser and Shockwave therapy are non-invasive techniques that uses sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in injured tissues. The sound waves are generated by a device that emits pulses of high-energy acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the affected area. The sound waves create microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response that activates the body’s natural healing process. The sound waves also stimulate the production of new blood vessels, collagen, and growth factors that enhance tissue repair and regeneration.
Laser and shockwave therapy can help you with plantar fasciitis by:
- Breaking up any scar tissue or calcifications that may have formed in your plantar fascia due to chronic inflammation
- Increasing the blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your plantar fascia, which speeds up healing and reduces pain
- Reducing the sensitivity of your pain receptors by blocking the transmission of pain signals to your brain
- Stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by your body
Orthotics
Orthotics are custom-made inserts that fit into your shoes and provide support and cushioning for your feet. Orthotics are designed based on a detailed analysis of your foot structure, function, and biomechanics. Orthotics can correct any abnormalities or deformities in your foot shape or alignment that may be causing or worsening your plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can also improve the distribution of weight and pressure on your feet, which can reduce the stress and strain on your plantar fascia.
Orthotics can help you with plantar fasciitis by:
- Supporting your arch and preventing it from collapsing or flattening, which can cause excessive stretching of your plantar fascia
- Cushioning your heel and absorbing the shock and impact of walking or running, which can cause microtears in your plantar fascia
- Controlling the motion of your foot and preventing excessive pronation or supination, which can cause abnormal twisting or pulling of your plantar fascia
- Improving the fit and comfort of your shoes and preventing any rubbing or friction that can irritate your plantar fascia
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful condition that can affect anyone who puts a lot of stress on their feet. However, you don’t have to live with the pain or let it limit your activities. There are many ways to treat plantar fasciitis and get relief from your symptoms. One of them is chiropractic care, which can help you restore the health and function of your spine, nervous system, and feet. Another option is laser and shockwave therapy, which can help you stimulate healing and reduce pain in your plantar fascia. A third option is orthotics, which can help you correct any foot problems that may be causing or contributing to your plantar fasciitis.
If you are interested in learning more about how chiropractic care, laser shockwave therapy, and orthotics can help you with plantar fasciitis, contact us today to book an appointment. We are here to help you get back on your feet and enjoy life without heel pain.
Ready to take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life? At Tutt Street Chiropractic, we're currently accepting new patients and offer same-day and next-day appointments for your convenience. There's no need for a doctor's referral, and we'll even bill directly to your insurance provider. Don't wait any longer to start your journey to improved spine health and wellness. Click here to book your appointment with Dr. Cary Yurkiw in Kelowna today!
