Plantar Fasciitis - What is it and What Causes it?

Before we delve into the causes and corrections of Plantar Fasciitis, we first must have a general understanding of where it occurs as it pertains to the anatomy of the foot

There are a total of 26 bones in the foot. The toes contain 14 of these bones with three per toe, except the big toe, which only has two bones. These bones are arranged into three different arches which assist the foot in negotiating alterations in terrain. These arches are labeled as the transverse arch, the medial and lateral longitudinal arches.

The arch that we are concerned with is the medial longitudinal arch which runs along the inside of the foot. Along this arch is a wide, thick ligament which runs from the heel to the balls of the feet before ending at the toes. This is the plantar fascia and when it is subjected to above average amount of strain it begins to over-stretch and tear. Now unfortunately when we rest for long periods of time such as sleeping, our body attempts to heal itself and lays down scar tissue. This doesn't pose much of a problem until rising and we find ourselves in pain as this newly formed scar tissue tears. Hence the notion that with Plantar Fasciitis, the first step is the worst.

There are two main methods for the plantar fascia to undergo an increase in tension. One situation that increases tension is weight gain. This may be due to inactivity, an increase in caloric intake, or pregnancy. The weight gain puts more strain on the bottom of the foot causing a stretch of the medial longitudinal arch. This results in over-stretching of the plantar fascia, leading to plantar fasciitis.

A bit less common but still as painful is the effect of over-stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia ligament due to walking improperly. When we walk, most of our weight should land on the outside of the heel and transfer to the outside of the foot where we push off with our big toe and begin again. However when our foot biomechanics are off-kilter, this weight is transferred to the inside of the foot which causes the same injury as carrying too much weight.

One of the most common problems discovered with foot biomechanics is the overpronation syndrome. This entails the person rolling over too much onto the inside of the foot. This puts excessive strain on the medial longitudinal arch and can cause tearing of the plantar fascia. This excessive strain on the inside of the foot can result in over-stretching of other ligaments in the foot leading to flat feet (pes planus). If this condition persists too long, a heel spur may form where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.

The treatment of Plantar Fasciitis can be accomplished in a few ways. The first of course of to lose the extra pounds which are adding to the problem. If this is not the case then paying a visit to your chiropractic professional to have your foot adjusted could well be in order. Don't be surprised if you are advised to roll a golf ball or similar object under your foot to help strip away the scar tissue. But be careful not to roll too hard and bruise your foot in the process.

The heel has two main directions in which it can move: diagonally forward or diagonally backward. Usually the heel moves backward due to tension from the Achilles tendon and from weight-bearing pressure. By adjusting the heel forward, it will relieve tension in the plantar fascia and can relieve symptoms. If these methods do not seem to offer benefit, it may be necessary to have a pair of prescription orthotics made for your feet. These are custom-fit insoles which offer support to the feet to help ensure a proper gait cycle thereby reducing the amount of strain on the plantar fascia.

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Wish you could find some plantar fasciitis treatment? Read our other articles by Dr. Steven Trembecki, D.C. on this and other chiropractic treatments.
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