Plantar Fasciitis and Whether a Chiropractor Can Help
Plantar fasciitis is irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick fibrous band on the underside of your foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it falls squarely within the musculoskeletal conditions chiropractors are trained to assess and treat.
What exactly is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia absorbs load with every step. When it is repeatedly overloaded or placed under abnormal strain, small tears develop and the tissue becomes inflamed. The hallmark symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain at the heel, worst with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The pain often eases as you walk around and warm up, then returns after prolonged standing or at the end of the day. Left unaddressed, the condition can become chronic and affect the way you walk, which in turn loads the knee, hip and lower back unevenly.
What causes it?
Overload is the core cause, but several things contribute to how and why that overload occurs.
- Tight calf muscles and a restricted ankle reduce the foot’s ability to absorb impact, pushing more stress onto the fascia.
- Altered foot mechanics, such as excessive rolling inward or a very high arch, change how load is distributed across the sole.
- Sudden increases in walking, running or standing time, particularly on hard surfaces.
- Joint restrictions further up the chain, in the ankle, knee or hip, that shift the way weight travels through the foot.
Can a chiropractor treat plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Peel Chiropractic lists plantar fasciitis specifically among the conditions it treats, alongside ankle and foot complaints more broadly. Chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis focuses on restoring normal joint movement in the foot and ankle, reducing tension in the surrounding soft tissue, and addressing mechanical contributors in the knee, hip or lower back that may be loading the foot unevenly. Your age, size and individual examination findings determine which techniques are used, as each treatment plan is tailored to the patient.
What techniques might be used?
Several of the techniques used at Peel Chiropractic are well suited to foot and ankle conditions.
- Diversified adjusting to restore movement to restricted joints in the foot, ankle and lower leg.
- Arthrostim instrument adjusting, which applies a gentle, repetitive force without any popping sound, useful where direct manual adjustment is uncomfortable.
- Drop Table (Thompson) technique for pelvic and lower limb mechanics that may be loading the foot unevenly.
- Flexion Distraction where lower back or sciatic involvement is contributing to foot symptoms.
- Prescribed rehabilitation exercises and stretches, including take home self-care, which is a formal part of the rehabilitative care stage.
What does a first visit for plantar fasciitis involve?
Your first appointment at Peel Chiropractic runs for around 45 minutes and covers a full history, neurological assessment and chiropractic examination. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork, and bring any relevant imaging or medical information you already have. A second appointment is a report of findings, where the chiropractor explains what was found and outlines a care plan.
The chiropractor will examine not just the foot but the whole lower limb and, where relevant, the lower back, to understand what is driving the problem. X-rays are only arranged if the examination warrants it. Care then typically moves through an initial intensive phase for relief, a rehabilitative phase to address the underlying cause, and a wellness phase to maintain good function over the long term.
Should I see a GP as well?
It is always reasonable to involve your GP, especially if you are unsure of the diagnosis, if you have other health conditions, or if the pain is severe and not improving. Chiropractic care and GP management are not mutually exclusive. If you have been prescribed medication by your GP, continue taking it as directed. Chiropractic works alongside other care, not instead of it.
Is Peel Chiropractic the right place for heel pain?
Peel Chiropractic has been caring for Mandurah families for over 20 years and is located at 22 Peel Street, a short walk from the Mandurah Foreshore, with onsite parking, a bus stop at the front door and wheelchair access. New patients are always welcome.
To understand the full scope of chiropractic care at Peel Chiropractic, including the conditions treated and the techniques used, that page is a good starting point before you book.
Quick checklist: what to consider before your appointment
- Note when the pain is worst, such as first thing in the morning, after rest, or at the end of the day, so the chiropractor can understand the pattern.
- Bring any previous imaging of the foot or ankle if you have it.
- Bring your Medicare, concession, pensioner, DVA or private health card if applicable.
- Be ready to describe any recent changes in activity or time spent on your feet.
Call the clinic on (08) 9535 1600 or email admin@peelchiropractic.com.au if you would like to ask a question before booking.
Sources
This article draws on the following pages.