Plantar Fasciitis & Flat Feet
Let’s look at Plantar Fasciitis Causes, Prevention & Treatment. Sometimes referred to as policeman’s foot or policeman’s heel.
What is plantar fasciitis or heel spur?
The plantar fascia is a thick, flexible band of elastic fibrous tissue that covers the bottom of the foot. Generally, the plantar fascia can handle the demands of day-to-day usage, protected by the foot’s arch. When put under extreme, or repetataive tension – for example by congenitally changes in the foot bones, flat feet, insufficient shoes or irregular walking patterns – small tears develop in the tissue of the plantar fascia. With time this causes inflammation and irritation. An individual is then stated to be suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is common amongst athletes – especially runners and ballet dancers. It likewise happens in individuals who stand or walk for extended periods of the day, such as police officers, postal workers and baristas.
So, if you experience arch or heel pain while running or arch pain after running you may have plantar fasciitis.
Extensive pulling of the plantar fascia can likewise cause the associated condition known as heel spur, where calcium deposits build up under the heel bone leading to swelling and pain.
Here are the facts on flat feet
Individuals with flat feet lack support from their arches– either partially or entirely. This is often asymmetrical with one foot flatter than the other. This is often due to altered foot bone shape and function as a hereditary factor. This is a widespread problem of faulty foot structure and function arising from genes, tissue damage or the aging process.
While flat feet might not cause foot pain in everybody, the condition can add to related discomfort in the upper and lower body as the shock of impact that comes with strolling or running is not correctly absorbed by the feet. When this happens, the impact of an individual’s weight hitting the ground passes through other joints in the body such as the knees, hips and spine, even causing spinal problems such as disc/joint degeneration, sciatica and scoliosis.
An individual’s posture and gait might be impacted as the body attempts to make up for this stress.
While not constantly an issue in and of themselves, asymmetrical flat feet can play a part in related foot, ankle and knee issues. This is due to the fact that biomechanical foot faults can lead to greater pressure on the joints in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, pelvis and spine. So, there is a threat of developing other problems if appropriate treatment, custom orthotics, footwear or preventative precautions are incorporated into the management of these problems.
Associated foot problems
Flat feet are related to overpronation– in which the feet lean inwards while strolling. Individuals with flat feet may also be most likely to establish plantar fasciitis. A flat foot without proper anatomical support can cause the foot to be unsteady, risking injury.
Flat feet may trigger progressive defects. Left neglected, they can cause issues such as walking difficulty, persistent discomfort, arthritic discomfort and tendonitis.
What Does Plantar Fasciitis Pain Feel Like?
Plantar fasciitis is frequently worst in the early morning– stabbing pain with the day’s initial steps.
This is due to the fact that the tissue has actually contracted while at rest and is now being extended again. Discomfort slowly reduces as the foot relaxes. Over a day’s activity, nevertheless, it returns– specifically with heavy use of the feet. While plantar fasciitis pain is typically focused the heel, it may strike anywhere along the sole of the foot.
You may be struggling with this condition if you are experiencing the following:
- You feel pain or tightness at the heel or under your foot arch.
- The discomfort is worst in the early morning or initial steps after long periods of inactivity.
- You feel uncommon foot and leg fatigue or discomfort by the end of the day or after exercise.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
If you have flat feet and you experience these types of symptoms and pain, or want to prevent problems connected with flat feet, book a consultation at the Gait Doctor Orthotics Clinic.
Dr Cherye Roche can recommend a course of treatment to ensure living with flat feet is not painful. Ignoring plantar fasciitis can cause ongoing discomfort. A thorough examination is used to identify the structural and functional aspects of your feet and stance which has triggered the problem, and provide a treatment plan that often (but not always) includes custom orthotics.
Schedule a Consultation
If your feet are making you suffer in pain, set up an assessment.
We Are Registered Healthcare Professionals
Dr. Cherye Roche is a registered and board certified Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). She has a special interest in sports injury care, biomechanics and has vast experience in the provision of custom foot orthotics for common musculoskeletal conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis. For overall relief of your foot and associated discomfort conditions call today.
At Gait Doctor our team use the latest technology to provide effective and efficient solutions for foot and other joint related problems. We ensure that our clients are in the hands of one of the most skilled, experienced and trusted musculoskeletal healthcare practitioners in New Zealand
Dr. Cherye Roche – Founder The Gait Doctor.