Plantar Fasciitis and Posture Correction

Plantar Fasciitis is a frequently encountered condition that occurs in individuals who engage in activities such as running or heavy lifting. This ailment results in inflammation at the bottom of the foot. It is important to note that Plantar Fasciitis can affect people of all ages, not just athletes.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can be influenced by postural distortion. Although there are various factors that contribute to the development of this condition, postural misalignments often play a significant role. These misalignments can put undue stress on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, leading to inflammation and pain. Therefore, maintaining proper posture is crucial in reducing the risk of developing or aggravating plantar fasciitis.

Overpronation

There are various factors that can contribute to overpronation, including genetic predisposition, excessive weight, and damage to the tendons. This condition commonly leads to discomfort in the feet and ankles, and also raises the likelihood of experiencing injuries like plantar fasciitis.

If you suspect you overpronate, consider conducting the shoe tilt test: place a pair of well-worn shoes or boots on a table and tilt them inward if your heels tilt inward – this indicates an overpronation problem.

Overpronation can usually be corrected using supportive footwear and orthotics. Orthotics cushion the arch, dispersing impact evenly to reduce strain on feet, legs and hips.

Underpronation

Pronation occurs when your feet transfer the landing impact away from your heel and onto the ball of the foot; this practice is considered healthy.

Overpronation can cause gait issues like sprained ankles, knee pain and plantar fasciitis. If this is something that affects you it would be wise to visit a podiatrist who can evaluate and provide treatment plans tailored specifically to you.

Underpronation may be less frequent than overpronation, but it still presents serious issues if left uncorrected. Underpronation can lead to shin splints, Achilles tendonitis and runner’s knee pain if left uncorrected.

Underpronation can be corrected through exercises and stretches designed to strengthen foot, leg and hip muscles. Physical therapy may also be helpful to alleviate pain and enhance gait performance.

Overstretching

Overstretching of your calf muscles and plantar fascia can result in painful inflammation of this thick band of tissue that runs from heel to ball of foot – known as plantar fasciitis – making walking and standing extremely painful.

Plantar fasciitis typically manifests itself with dull, aching, or burning in the heel and sole of the foot, depending on the extent of strain applied to it. These symptoms can range from acute to chronic depending on strain level.

Overstretching of the calf muscle and plantar fascia often results in tears or pull-aparts separating from each other, often leading to this condition.

Other causes of plantar fasciitis may include flat feet, tight calf muscles and increased body weight. All three of these problems can adversely impact how your foot functions while placing undue stress on its tendons and ligaments of the plantar fascia.

Posture Correction

Posture correction is a key aspect of treating Plantar Fasciitis and can be accomplished via massage therapy, spinal manipulation, short-term neuromuscular electrical stimulation or posture exercises.

Good posture involves maintaining the natural curves of your spine while achieving body balance. Achieve this balance is critical to overall health as it protects from injury, improves energy levels, helps ease back pain relief, and decreases risks such as osteoporosis.

Poor posture can contribute to numerous ailments, from backache and headaches to neck soreness and joint degeneration. Furthermore, poor posture may interfere with breathing, digestion and blood pressure regulation – not to mention other detrimental outcomes such as muscle tension.