We had a client show up with plantar fasciitis this past week. We see cases like his often enough it had me think to share some information with all of you. Now, if you are in a "4 seasons" part of the country or the world for that matter, plantar fasciitis is a common spring and summer injury as many people get out running, playing soccer, taking on tennis etc. with the beautiful change in the weather.
Here in San Diego this is less likely. We see plantar fasciitis year around. I thought I would write about it now though as spring and summer ARE in full swing now for lots of you and it is more likely to happen now.
So what is plantar fasciitis? In the image you can see the plantar fascia. It is a tough band of tissue, a ligament, that connects your heel bone to your toes. It is what supports the arch of your foot. If it gets strained or overused it gets weak and irritated. This irritation causes inflammation and creates a burning or sharp kind of pain and the pain worsens with walking. You might really notice it as you take your first steps in the morning.
If your plantar fascia gets repeatedly strained it can get tiny tears in it creating more of a problem. Sometimes other tendons and muscles of the foot and calf where they insert on your heal become involved as well.
Causes or contributing factors
Ask yourself these questions to see if you think what you have going on is plantar fasciitis:
- Do you stand, walk or run for long periods, perhaps on a hard surface?
- Get to know your feet. Do you have high arches or flat feet? Do your feet roll inward more than normal when you walk?
- Are you overweight and putting excess pressure on the ligament?
- Take a look at your shoes. Are they properly supporting your foot and your arch? Do they fit well? Have they become worn and loss support?
- Exam the rest, your calves, achilles tendon etc. Are they tight?
What to do if you suspect it is plantar fasciitis:
- Call your doctor if you suspect stress fractures - he/she may order an x-ray if they agree
- Look at the likely CAUSE and correct or make changes to reduce/eliminate the cause, i.e. wear shoes with the correct arch support and shock absorption, create and execute on a weight reduction plan, begin a gentle stretching program
- To reduce the pain and inflammation most people and websites will tell you that you can of course ice, and use over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory meds.
Time to heal
They will also tell you that with plantar fasciitis "most people will recover in about a year" (WebMD.com) or "most people who have plantar fasciitis recover with conservative treatments in just a few months" (mayoclinic.org).
We know it need not take that long. This is where SCENAR therapy comes in. SCENAR activates your body's own analgesic (pain reducing) and anti-inflammatory processes to accelerate recovery. With consistent SCENAR use your issue may be resolved in as little as 4-6 weeks or sooner.
Call to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
Call 619-501-3752. Our team will address your underlying cause as well as educate you about the power of SCENAR. SCENAR treatments are available in the office and/or you may determine that owning your own affordable home unit SCENAR is right for you.
