Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes severe pain and impacts a large number of individuals. It occurs due to the inflammation of a ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes in the foot. This condition is experienced by millions of people worldwide.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a beneficial approach that effectively tackles ligament stress and speeds up the healing process. It presents an ideal noninvasive option, eliminating the need for medications or surgical interventions.
How It Works
The plantar fascia, a vital structure found in the foot, plays a crucial role in providing support to the arch, cushioning the impact while walking, and safeguarding the heel bone. This band of tissue runs along the underside of the foot, fulfilling its important functions throughout the day.
Strain and weakening of this tissue cause your feet to deviate from their natural alignment and position, making you susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment can provide an effective method for relieving plantar fasciitis pain. By taking a comprehensive approach to treat this condition, Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy helps resolve structural imbalances within your feet, ankles, hips and legs and bring relief.
Osteopathic physicians undergo extensive training in manipulating the musculoskeletal system – composed of bones and nerves – of your body. This specialization allows them to diagnose and treat a range of conditions while improving its functionality.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain on the bottom of your foot that feels like a sharp, stabbing pain when getting out of bed or standing after sitting for extended periods. It may also manifest after running or jumping but usually resolves itself over time with rest.
Overweight individuals and those who run or jump hard may have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, these people are likely to have tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon which increases strain on the plantar fascia and increases stress on its plantar surface.
Additionally, a heel spur (commonly known as a stress fracture or calcaneal spur) may develop when the plantar fascia pulls on the heel bone, then fills up with calcium deposits. An X-ray can help identify whether plantar fascia pull or bone spur are the source of pain.
Treatment options for foot and calf pain may include icing, rest, orthotics or arch supports, changing your activity level and stretching foot and calf muscles. If those options don’t help relieve symptoms, your podiatrist may suggest an injection of corticosteroid directly into the affected area to ease inflammation.
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic condition caused by repetitive stress to the plantar fascia (a thick ligament running along the sole of your foot). It typically appears among individuals who stand for long periods or push off on their feet and toes repeatedly.
Your doctor may conduct an exam of your feet to detect redness, swelling, tenderness or tightness and inquire into your lifestyle, work activities and physical activities. They may also ask about any related medications you take that could exacerbate such symptoms.
If non-surgical remedies do not help alleviate your symptoms, your doctor may suggest injecting corticosteroid into the damaged section of plantar fascia to speed healing time and relieve your pain faster. This injection could speed healing while decreasing discomfort levels.
Stretch and massage your feet and calf muscles regularly with help from your provider or physical therapist, who can teach these techniques correctly. Oral anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin or ibuprofen may also provide assistance.
Treatment
Plantar Fasciitis can be effectively treated using various therapeutic options available. Your osteopath will create an individualized treatment plan designed to ease symptoms while reducing strain on ligaments and preventing secondary injuries.
Osteopathic doctors frequently suggest Osteopathic Manipulation for treating conditions. This involves various manual manipulation techniques.
Goal is to reduce stress on ligaments that cause tiny tears in fascia. This will allow faster tissue healing and lessened discomfort.
Another effective treatment option is the administration of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), an injectable growth factor used in orthopedics for several years now to decrease inflammation and speed healing of injured tissue in various studies. PRP injection has proven its worth as an anti-inflammatory treatment by both reducing inflammation and improving wound healing rates in multiple tests.
Osteopathic treatments may also help correct structural imbalances that lead to plantar fasciitis. These may include imbalances in hips, knees and feet which alter how your body distributes weight distribution.
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