Plantar fasciitis is a strong fibrous tissue, running across the bottom of foot and supports the medial arch.  The arch of the foot functions like a bow (& arrow) – the plantar fascia is like the string of the bow. The tension in the bow string holds the shape of the arch and the bounce/power of the foot.

The plantar fasciitis is a repetitive strain injury.  Mostly effects walker, runners or individuals who stand for long periods of time – especially on concrete floors.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury, causing microtears and degenerative changes in the tissue. When you step, the bow string stretches and when stretched too hard & too often, it gets irritated causing pain.

When the condition becomes chronic, the body will reinforce the weakened area with harder tissue to combat the long-term stress.  The hardened tissue will form into a bone spur.

Plantar Fasciitis Can Come From:

  • Exercise involving stress on the plantar fascia – running, ballet, dancing, jumping activities.
  • Age – common in the age range of 40 to 60 years.
  • Flat foot or high arch.
  • An occupation that requires standing on your feet for long periods of time.
  • Tight calf muscles.
  • Shoes with poor foot support.
  • Running or standing on hard surfaces.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:

  • Stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot.
  • Worse with walking.
  • Pain worse in the morning.
  • Intense pain with first steps out of the bed in the morning.
  • Pain in the heel with palpation.
  • Pain increases with walking on tip toes.
  • Bone spur diagnosed with x-ray.

I approach treating your foot pain to your presentation, which involves:

  • Analyzing your posture – What’s going on with the alignment of your hip, knee and ankle? How could your posture be causing the plantar fasciitis?
  • Discussing potential lifestyle dynamics impacting the effecting your pain.
  • Understanding how other factors playing into your pain.
  • Muscle testing the muscles for weakness and pain.
  • Targeting effected muscles, releasing motor points, trigger points and relaxing the fascia.
  • Providing exercises to continue treatment success between acupuncture treatments.

Call (914) 572-5137 today or click here to schedule an appointment & learn more about how we can help you.