Heel pain syndrome is medically referred to as Plantar Fasciitis, and this condition affects thousands of people every year. The condition can set gradually due to sudden trauma to the foot, or due to degeneration. Plantar Fasciitis can occur in both heels or in one, and the pain is usually more after prolonged sitting, after taking few steps after getting up in the morning, or while moving without any weights.
This is not uncommon for people to experience who sit at a desk all day and do not move around much.
Being Out of Shape could be a Triggering Point
However, the pain can worsen with activity and prolonged movements with weights. Therefore, obesity could be one of the reasons for heel pain syndrome. Improper footwear is also known to cause this condition, as it can allow under or excessive pronation, or insufficient shock absorption. It is wise to wear shoes that support your feet and heels, certainly if you are lifting or carrying items that have some mass to them.
Plantar fasciitis can also occur when the body is compensating for conditions like calf strains, tibialis dysfunction, and Achilles tendonosis. The condition can worsen to a degree where you are not able to put any weight on the affected heel. A specialist like a Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC could be your best option in combating plantar fasciitis.
Treatment Avenues for Heel Pain Syndrome
There are different treatment routes to take for plantar fasciitis including anti-inflammatory medications, injections, taping, night splinting, orthotics, and IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation). Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC specializes in combating heel pain syndrome and employs techniques best suited for the particular patient. IASTM and general chiropractic manipulations are highly effective in relieving pain and enabling the heel to bear more weight.
IASTM is particularly effective, since the special instruments are able to access the smaller areas of the foot effectively. Wirth Chiropractic could also prescribe electrical muscular stimulation, ultrasound, and low intensity laser for reducing inflammation and pain. Another essential component of the treatment will be taping or low dye strapping of the affected foot.
Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC employs a comprehensive treatment approach to avoid complications and further deterioration of the heel. Chiropractic manipulations are done for restoring normal joint movements, which in turn reduces the tension on plantar fascia.
Customized Treatment
Rehabilitation is also an important part of the treatment process, and Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC mainly prescribes progressive resistance exercises that will improve muscle strength and the range of motion. Initially isometric curls of the toes are highly effective; however, the patient might experience some cramping, and the exercise will have to be toned down according to the cramping tolerance of the patient. In the last stage of rehabilitation, proprioceptive exercises are highly effective in improving the weight bearing capacity of the heel.