Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Ottawa

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions we see. It affects the bottom surface of the foot and sometimes the heel as well. The word ‘fasciitis’ refers to inflammation of the connective tissue underneath the foot. Plantar fasciitis is often described as stabbing, sharp or bruise-like pain with each step. The symptoms are typically worse in the mornings and improve with some activity. Chiropractic Care can be instrumental in helping treat this. It is very important to determine if the pain is coming from inflammation of the tissues, the joints, heel spurs or other mechanical foot problems. Luckily, our Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation team is well-equipped to help with any of the above conditions.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Although plantar fasciitis can develop without an apparent cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition:

• Age. Most people with plantar fasciitis are between 40 and 60.
• Foot mechanics. Those who have flat feet, a high arch, or an abnormal walking pattern can experience plantar fasciitis because those issues can affect the way weight is distributed while standing, adding stress to the plantar fascia.
• Obesity. People who are significantly overweight often suffer from the condition because excess weight puts extra stress on the plantar fascia.
• Certain occupations. Factory workers, nurses, teachers, and others who spend the majority of their working hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can experience damage to the plantar fascia.

Natural Help for Plantar Fasciitis

Ottawa Health offer a wide array of therapies that can be helpful in reducing or eliminating plantar fasciitis inflammation and pain. Some of these are:

• Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy uses a special device that sends a ‘shockwave’ impulse into the tissues to promote healing, break down heel spurs, and improve blood circulation. This technique is typically used for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to more conventional therapies.
• Manual therapy: Hands-on manipulation of the joints of the foot to work through the tissues that may be causing the pain. This therapy may help improve the function of these tissues.
• Physical therapy: The pain is often a result of weakness in the foot and the small muscles underneath the plantar fascia, and physical therapy works to strengthen those muscles and tissues. Improving foot function is important to keep plantar fasciitis from becoming a chronic condition.
• Custom orthotics: In cases where the arch of the foot cannot be improved with exercise, a custom-made arch support can be created and placed in any of your shoes to offer continued support while you go about your day. Custom orthotics are typically covered by insurance.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Alta Vista, Ottawa ON | (613) 728-9414