Plantar Fasciitis Relief from Your Chiropractor in West Babylon, NY

Taking the first few steps after getting out of bed each morning is excruciating for many individuals with plantar fasciitis.  However, treatment from our West Babylon chiropractor can manage the discomfort of patients who visit us at Hansen Chiropractic thanks to natural, holistic therapies.

Overview of This Condition

Plantar fasciitis develops after a strain of the plantar fascia.  This is a band of tissue that supports the arch of a foot and runs from the toes to the heel.

A strain weakens this fascia.  Once weakened, it is subject to swelling, inflammation, and tearing.  All of these contribute to what the patient perceives as heel pain when taking steps or even when standing.  Our doctor explains that this disorder accounts for 80 percent of patient heel pain complaints and tends to develop slowly.

A number of things are risk factors:

• Excessive pronation, or feet that turn inward when walking
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Extended periods of standing, running or walking, particularly on a hard surface
• Carrying excess weight
• Footwear with a poor fit
• Bone spurs
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles' tendons
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Sudden increase in exercise

The hallmark of this disorder is a pain with the first step after arising or after remaining seated for a long time.  After a few steps, the plantar fascia stretches, usually causing discomfort or stiffness to lessen.  Sometimes, however, pain gets steadily worse as the day progresses.  Even standing for an extended period can cause pain.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

Chiropractors treat and manage plantar fasciitis by using therapies that avoid surgery or medication.  Before our doctor makes a diagnosis, our patients receive comprehensive exams and evaluation of their chiropractic, orthopedic, and neurologic status. 

The primary treatment for this disorder is the use of the active release technique, also known as ART, which is a kind of massage therapy.  With their hands, chiropractors use stretching motions that break up fibrous tissue responsible for pain. 

We create a customized treatment plan for each patient.  It often includes complementary therapies such as calf and toe stretching exercises to expand an individual’s range of motion.  Patients are able to do these exercises at home at their convenience.

Other significant aspects of management are resting the affected foot, curtailing activities that can aggravate the plantar fascia, and wearing the right type and fit of footwear.  Heel icing decreases pain and swelling. 

Schedule a Consultation with Our Chiropractor in West Babylon

Don’t suffer needlessly from discomfort when our practice can provide natural treatment for relief.  Dr. Chris Hansen has studied 25 healing procedures and uses a whole-person approach to treat patients of all ages with a full range of holistic services.  He was nominated as Long Island’s best chiropractor for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.  Call our Hansen Chiropractic office in West Babylon today at (631) 321-5400 to schedule an appointment, take advantage of a free consultation for new patients, and start on your path to wellness.