Plantar fasciitis is a debilitating condition that affects many, causing persistent pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. At Neurohealth Wellness, we believe in addressing this condition with a combination of chiropractic care, foot strengthening and cutting-edge therapies. While custom orthotics can offer short-term relief by alleviating pain and discomfort, the true path to recovery lies in freeing your feet and strengthening the muscles that support them.
This blog will explore:
- The causes of plantar fasciitis
- How chiropractic care can help realign the feet and legs
- Why custom orthotics offer only temporary relief
- The role of foot strengthening in long-term recovery
- The benefits of photobiomodulation and shockwave therapy
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Repeated stress, such as standing for long periods, poor biomechanics, or wearing unsupportive shoes, can lead to tiny tears in the fascia, resulting in pain and discomfort, especially in the heel area.
Common symptoms include:
- Stabbing heel pain, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest
- Tight calf muscles
- Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods
Custom Orthotics: A Short-Term Relief Option
Custom orthotics are often recommended for individuals with plantar fasciitis to provide temporary pain relief. They work by redistributing weight across the foot, reducing pressure on the plantar fascia. In the short term, orthotics can alleviate discomfort and offer some immediate relief, especially if your pain is severe.
However, relying on orthotics long-term can lead to weaker foot muscles and dependence on external support. They don't address the root cause of the problem, which is often poor foot mechanics and weak muscles in the feet and lower leg. This is why we view orthotics as a bridge to recovery, rather than a permanent solution.
Why Foot Strengthening is the Key to Long-Term Relief
Long-lasting relief from plantar fasciitis lies in strengthening the muscles that support your feet. At Neurohealth Wellness, we encourage patients to follow a comprehensive foot strengthening program, based on the principles of natural movement taught by experts like The Foot Collective, Katy Bowman, and Dr. Robert Stoxen.
Bowman stresses the importance of strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the feet—muscles that have become weak due to years of wearing restrictive shoes. The Foot Collective advocates for freeing your feet by spending more time barefoot or in minimalist shoes, while Dr. Stoxen emphasizes the spring-like function of the foot's natural arch, which can be restored through proper movement patterns and exercises.
Some of the most effective foot-strengthening exercises include:
- Toe spreading and toe lifts to activate the small muscles in the foot
- Heel raises and calf stretches to loosen the Achilles tendon and improve foot alignment
- Foot mobility drills that improve flexibility and strength in the entire lower leg
When combined with a focus on improving gait mechanics and posture, these exercises will help reduce the strain on the plantar fascia and promote natural foot function.
Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis: Addressing the Root Cause
At Neurohealth Wellness, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to treating plantar fasciitis. By evaluating the entire body’s biomechanics, we can identify and correct misalignments in the feet, legs, and pelvis that contribute to plantar fasciitis. For example, tightness or improper movement in the hips or lower back may put extra strain on the feet, exacerbating the condition.
Chiropractic adjustments, combined with soft tissue therapy and guided exercises, help improve overall body alignment, promoting better movement patterns and reducing tension on the plantar fascia.
Advanced Therapies to Accelerate Healing: Photobiomodulation and Shockwave Therapy
At Neurohealth Wellness, we also utilize advanced modalities to speed up the healing process and provide further relief for plantar fasciitis. These include:
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT): Also known as low-level laser therapy, PBMT uses light energy to reduce inflammation, increase cellular repair, and promote tissue healing. It’s a non-invasive therapy that complements chiropractic adjustments and foot-strengthening exercises.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT uses sound waves to break down scar tissue and stimulate the healing of soft tissues. Studies have shown it to be particularly effective for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis, encouraging tissue regeneration and increasing blood flow to the affected area.
The Role of Custom Orthotics: A Bridge to Strengthening
It’s important to recognise that custom orthotics do have a place in the early stages of plantar fasciitis treatment. They can help reduce pain and prevent further injury while you begin a strengthening program. However, relying solely on orthotics for the long term can lead to weaker foot muscles and continued dependence on external support.
The ultimate goal should be to transition from orthotics to a more natural, strength-based approach. By gradually freeing your feet from rigid support and focusing on strengthening the intrinsic muscles, you can regain full, pain-free function.
Conclusion: Free Your Feet for Long-Term Plantar Fasciitis Recovery
At Neurohealth Wellness, our focus is on helping you achieve long-term relief from plantar fasciitis by freeing your feet, strengthening the muscles, and improving overall movement patterns. While custom orthotics offer a temporary solution, lasting recovery comes from restoring your foot’s natural function through strengthening and chiropractic care.
Take the first step toward pain-free living and book your appointment today. Visit Neurohealth Wellness online or call us at (02) 9905 9099.
References:
1. The Foot Collective. (2023). "Foot Health Education." Retrieved from [https://www.thefootcollective.com](https://www.thefootcollective.com).
2. Bowman, K. (2016). Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief: The New Science of Healthy Feet. BenBella Books.
3. Stoxen, R. (2011). *The Human Spring Approach to Plantar Fasciitis*. HealthLink Press.
4. Lim, H. Y., et al. (2017). "Photobiomodulation and Low-Level Laser Therapy in Soft Tissue Injury Management." Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(4).
5. Hammer, W. (2014).Clinical Sports Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.
6. Young, C., & Pemberton, C. (2014). "Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Treating Plantar Fasciitis." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 44(5).
