Plantar Fascia
Fascia is a strong film of connective tissue that enwraps your whole body, tightly holding your muscle together in groups, and then connects it to your skin. Plantar fascia refers to the fascia on the sole of your foot. Fasciitis is inflammation of that fascia. Strong forces go through the foot with each weight-bearing stride. The fascia is there to support the foot and to help grip the tendons on the sole to the arch of your foot, helping to stabilise it. However, sometimes it can be come irritated and inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Again, this is often worse in the morning and then can ease off. However, increased amounts of activity can then flare it up.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by poor foot posture, e.g. a fallen or excessively high arch, an increased amount of walking or activity or a change in, or poor, foot wear. It is also associated with tight calves and muscles around the lower limb.
If you have plantar fascia issues, ice the painful area and gently try to stretch the foot out. Manual therapy will help to work on the tight tissue and surrounding structures. Then rehabilitation will be needed to strengthen the foot and work on proprioception.
(The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered a replacement for a full medical examination. Furthermore, we do not purport to treat all the conditions listed. Should you wish to discuss any of these conditions with our chiropractors, please do not hesitate to phone the clinic on 020 7374 2272 or email enquiries@body-motion.co.uk).
Our team of chiropractors and massage therapists are on hand to answer any questions you may have, so get in touch today via enquiries@body-motion.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7374 2272.