Each year, over 2 million Americans suffer from the intense heel pain brought on by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the strong band of connective tissue that runs down the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) becomes irritated and inflamed. Although it’s hard to determine the specific cause of a case of plantar fasciitis, there are certain risk factors that can make you predisposed:
- Obesity
- High arches
- Tight calf muscles
- Repetitive impact sports like running
- Heel spurs
- Increase in activity
- Wearing improper footwear
Plantar fasciitis appears as pain in the heel, especially when you take your first steps in the morning that increases following an activity.
One of the therapies that have brought great relief to sufferer of plantar fasciitis is instrument-assisted soft-tissue manipulation (IASTM). IASTM begins by heating the affected area and then stretching it with special metal instruments. In addition to IASTM, plantar fasciitis responds well to ultrasound, spinal manipulation and electric muscle stimulation as well.
Alternative chiropractic treatments have proven to be just as effective in treating as injections and surgeries without the accompanying complications.