If you have foot pain, heel pain, pain with flat feet, foot pain when walking, or just sore feet, you’ve likely been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by a physician or podiatrist. After trying massages, cortisone shots, and orthotics, you’ve realized they don’t solve the problem. You may have even tried exercises, yet the pain persists. You wake up barely able to walk, and those night boots don’t work (and honestly, who wants to wear boots while sleeping?).
What if your plantar fasciitis isn’t actually a foot problem? And what if the real issue lies elsewhere, and the wrong body part has been addressed all along?
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia—the tissue connecting the ball of your foot to the heel. This irritation occurs due to failed posture. Let’s break it down.
Our lifestyle, injuries, and activities impact posture. For example:
- Playing one-sided sports like tennis can cause imbalance.
- Sitting too long can overwork your hip flexors.
- Knee injuries from activities like skiing may lead to compensation.
These subtle misalignments build up over time, just like how a misaligned car frame causes uneven tire wear. Similarly, poor posture leads to extra strain on the plantar fascia, which is not designed to act as a muscle. Over time, this excessive strain causes pain, often starting in one foot before affecting both.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Many people try pain relievers, injections, and physical therapy before seeking other options. My protocol for acute plantar fasciitis includes:
- Cold Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation.
- Active Release Technique (ART) to address soft tissue restrictions.
- Foot Scans to evaluate weight distribution and identify postural imbalances.
- Customized orthotics, used temporarily and only after addressing root causes.
I also sometimes recommend x-rays, particularly if tight Achilles tendons (linked to hamstring imbalances) have caused bone spurs. Rather than shaving spurs, custom orthotics provide comfort while posture and movement issues are resolved.
Why Posture Matters
The key to resolving plantar fasciitis lies in addressing postural imbalances. Misaligned ankle and foot joints need correction to ensure exercises are effective. For example:
- Towel Exercise: Scrunch a towel with your toes, then pick it up. This strengthens intrinsic foot muscles.
- Arch Lift: Use a resistance band to engage the muscles supporting your arch.
- Calf Raises: Perform controlled movements without leaning forward, ensuring proper muscle activation.
However, exercises alone won’t solve the problem. The root cause lies in the body’s movement patterns and posture.
The Role of Brain-Based Neurology
Movement relies on a coordinated effort of muscles and joints. Misalignments and poor posture disrupt this coordination. Brain-based neurology helps re-establish proper communication between the brain and body.
For example, hip flexor weakness and pelvic misalignment are common in plantar fasciitis patients. These issues often stem from prolonged sitting, physical activity, or past injuries. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine, pelvis, and ankles restore alignment, paving the way for better movement.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)
DNS retrains your body to move as it did in infancy. By revisiting natural movement patterns, we activate the correct muscles and improve posture. For instance:
- In a stomach pose (common for infants), back, shoulder, and glute muscles engage naturally.
- Through repetition, the brain’s pathways to these muscles are re-established, enhancing posture and movement.
Living Foot Pain-Free
Your body works as a connected system. A problem in one area impacts others. For temporary relief, you can rely on orthotics and cortisone shots. But for lasting results, address the root cause: postural imbalances. Correcting these imbalances will not only relieve foot pain but also improve overall health.
Imagine that… all this for a “foot problem”! Be sure to contact the office if you need help getting to your root cause!
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